August 9, 2025 Issue, Page 9 of 10

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The Elk City News SATURDAY, AUGUST 9, 2025 • 9 NEWS DEF-initely Headed for a Change By Jeff Johnson ing DEF systems in heavy-duty But here’s the critical point: deciding factor in whether these Opponents of mandatory DEF EPA is accepting public comments diesel trucks — to reduce nitrogen These rules have been in place for costly systems remain mandatory. systems aren’t just talking about through the Federal Register un- Ding-ding-ding — the bell rang oxides (NO
) and particulate mat- more than 15 years, and there is For any business that depends dollars — they’re talking about til mid-September 2025. Visit on July 29, 2025, when the EPA ter. no direct, real-world data showing on diesel trucks, the question of- choice. They argue that in Ameri- www.regulations.gov, search for stepped into the ring with a pro- Repealing the finding would those predicted savings have actu- ten comes down to money. The ca, people should decide for them- the docket on the “endangerment posal that could change how diesel strip EPA’s authority to enforce ally materialized. No government EPA estimates the lifetime cost of selves whether to buy a truck with finding” repeal, and submit your engines are built and how much many of these standards. That or academic study has documented DEF systems and related emissions DEF or without, whether to prior- thoughts — whether you’re for, they cost to own. From a podium means new diesel trucks could be a clear drop in national healthcare hardware at around $6,000 per itize lower emissions or lower costs. against, or just want certain parts of in Washington, Administrator Lee sold without DEF systems or oth- costs or mortality rates that can be heavy-duty truck, including pur- They point out that many other the rule revised. Zeldin announced plans to roll er after-treatment equipment, and tied directly to DEF requirements chase, maintenance, and DEF fluid vehicle decisions — engine size, Once the comment period clos- back the 2009 “endangerment find- older vehicles might face fewer re- or diesel emissions rules. over the life of the vehicle. Drop- towing capacity, luxury features — es, the EPA will review all submis- ing” — the legal backbone for fed- strictions on removing them. The health-savings numbers are ping the DEF requirement could are left up to the buyer. Why not sions before issuing a final rule. If eral greenhouse gas limits and the Supporters of the current rules still projections — essentially the save several thousand dollars per emissions systems, especially when the rollback is approved, it could source of mandates like the diesel — including the EPA under pre- same estimates made before the truck over a few years, depending the promised health benefits re- take effect within 60 to 90 days un- exhaust fluid (DEF) systems found vious administrations — say they rules were enacted. That means the on usage. main unproven? Supporters count- less delayed by lawsuits or congres- on most heavy-duty trucks today. prevent about 30,000 premature “30,000 lives saved” and “billions in On a national scale, repealing er that pollution crosses property sional action. The 2009 endangerment finding, deaths each year and save the U.S. healthcare savings” are still mod- these rules could save manufac- lines. One person’s choice to skip This fight isn’t just about emis- enacted under the Obama admin- economy hundreds of billions in eled benefits, not proven outcomes. turers and fleet operators more emissions controls can have health sions — it’s about who’s steering the istration, is the legal foundation for healthcare costs. These numbers Critics argue that after a decade than $50 billion a year in compli- consequences for someone miles wheel when it comes to your truck, regulating greenhouse gases under come from computer models like and a half, there should be measur- ance costs, according to industry downwind, making this a public your budget, and your choices. the Clean Air Act. Since 2010, it has BenMAP, which translate reduced able evidence if the projected bene- groups. That’s money that could health issue rather than a private Come mid-September, we’ll know driven a wave of vehicle rules re- pollution into avoided medical vis- fits were accurate. Without it, they stay in company budgets, be passed consumer choice. if the country’s heading for a clean- quiring automakers to install emis- its, hospitalizations, and “statistical say, the health-savings argument on to consumers, or be reinvested Regardless of where you stand, er future… or DEF-initely another sions-control equipment — includ- lives” saved. is unverified and shouldn’t be the elsewhere. this is the time to speak up. The round of political exhaust. Camp Donor: Donate Blood, Earn Your Badges This Summer This summer, roll up your “Summer is a season of adven- only about an hour, and one do- sleeves and join the ultimate ture — and saving lives can be nation saves up to three lives. camp adventure — no bug spray one of the most rewarding adven- Appointments to donate can be required! Our Blood Institute tures of all,” said Dr. John Armit- made online at obi.org or by call- invites you to become a Camp age, president and CEO of Our ing 877-340-8777. Walk-ins are Donor by giving blood in July Blood Institute. “Camp Donor is also welcome. or August. Northfork Electric a fun way for people to celebrate *16-year-olds must weigh at Cooperative and OBI invite you summer while helping others. least 125 pounds and provide to donate on Saturday, August When you donate blood, you’re signed parental permission; 16th from 9 A.M. - 2 P.M. on the giving patients in our hospitals a 17-year-olds must weigh at least bloodmobile at Sayre Park visit second chance at life.” 125 pounds; 18+ year olds must OBI.org to make an appointment Whether you’re in it for the weigh at least 110 pounds. Photo to donate. rides or just the vibes, we’ve got ID required. All successful donors will re- you covered: ceive: Frontier City offers thrilling Our Blood Institute is the A limited-edition “Camp Do- coasters, family attractions and sixth-largest independent blood nor” T-shirt featuring a retro classic carnival fun in the heart center in the nation, with 17 donor summer camp design of OKC. centers in Oklahoma, Arkansas An exclusive Camp Donor Hurricane Harbor helps you and Texas. OBI is the nonprofit badge (a collectible sticker perfect beat the heat with high-speed wa- blood provider for patients at more for your water bottle, laptop, or ter slides, lazy rivers, and splash than 240 hospitals, medical facili- camp trunk) zones for all ages. ties and air ambulances across all Choice of one free ticket to ei- Anyone who is healthy and three states. ther Frontier City or Hurricane 16 years old* or older can give Harbor blood. Donation typically takes Welch Caps Career as All-Stater 2025 Elk City High School State Runner-Up in 1 Doubles. As a junior, Welch and graduate Kyler Welch was re- They posted a 23-2 season re- Quinn Brewer placed 3rd in cently recognized as one of the cord and lost to Byng in three the 2024 State Tournament state’s best high school tennis sets in the State Championship in 1 Doubles. They finished players. match. that season with a 32-1 record; Welch was named a member That finish helped the 2025 their only loss was to Casady, a of the 2025 Oklahoma Coach- ECHS Boys win the first Team private Oklahoma City school, es Association All-State West State Championship in pro- in the state semifinals. Boys Tennis Team, represent- gram history. Welch leaves ECHS as a ing Class 4A. “I had a goal for my last sea- 3rd-Place State Finisher, a He played in the All-State son to take home the first team State Runner-Up, a Team State Tennis Tournament with 5A title for Elk City, and we did Champion member, and an and 6A players at the Michael it,” Welch said. Academic State Champion. D. Case Tennis Center on the According to Welch, the And now, an all-stater. University of Tulsa campus on team’s success was a combi- Welch capped a special ca- July 29. nation of excellent teammates reer with a special end to a “I was extremely excited and amazing coaches working special senior season. and very blessed that I got to together to bring home the “With spending time with have an opportunity like this,” gold to Elk City. my teammates and making Welch said. This year’s ECHS tennis new friends on the court and During his senior season, boys were also Academic State winning, I couldn’t ask for a Welch and Spence Brewer were Champions. better season,” Welch said.