Compliance & FMCSA

Engine Technology Forum Launches SCR, DEF Resource Center

New website consolidates technical fact sheets, webinars, and policy guidance on selective catalytic reduction and diesel exhaust fluid systems for fleets navigating emissions compliance.

Engine Technology Forum Launches SCR, DEF Resource Center
Photo: United States Army · Public domain (Wikimedia Commons)

The Engine Technology Forum (ETF) launched a consolidated resource center for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) systems on June 4, 2026. The website provides technical documentation, educational webinars, and policy analysis aimed at fleets managing emissions-control compliance.

What does the new SCR and DEF resource center include?

The platform features technical fact sheets explaining SCR and DEF operation, summaries of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidance, materials addressing common misconceptions about emissions controls, and industry-specific examinations of advanced diesel technology in trucking, construction, agriculture, and power generation. Content categories include technical documentation, educational webinars, policy-focused blog posts, and curated media coverage.

ETF said the materials provide a science-based perspective on the benefits and challenges associated with SCR and DEF systems, including their impact on emissions reduction, fuel economy, engine durability, and regulatory compliance. The organization stated the consolidated platform will support informed decision-making among fleets and other stakeholders as emissions regulations continue to evolve.

Why SCR and DEF matter for compliance

SCR and DEF technologies have helped diesel engines dramatically reduce emissions over the past decade while preserving the productivity, reliability, and fuel economy demanded by commercial transportation and heavy equipment applications, according to ETF. The systems inject DEF into the exhaust stream, where it reacts with nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the SCR catalyst to produce nitrogen and water vapor.

Fleets operating diesel equipment must maintain functional SCR systems to meet EPA emissions standards. Tampering with or disabling emissions controls violates federal law and can trigger EPA enforcement actions, including fines and equipment seizures. The new resource center consolidates compliance guidance that previously required fleets to search multiple EPA and manufacturer sources.

What fleets can find on the platform

The website organizes content by audience and application. Trucking fleets can access technical specifications for SCR systems used in Class 8 tractors, maintenance schedules for DEF tanks and injectors, and troubleshooting guides for common fault codes. Construction and agriculture operators will find materials tailored to off-road diesel equipment, including guidance on DEF storage in remote job sites and cold-weather operation.

Policy-focused blog posts examine regulatory developments affecting diesel emissions controls, including EPA rulemaking activity and state-level enforcement trends. The curated media coverage section tracks news stories related to emissions compliance, enforcement actions, and technology advances.

Emissions compliance and fleet operations

ETF's launch of the resource center comes as emissions regulations continue to evolve at both federal and state levels. California Air Resources Board (CARB) has pursued multiple enforcement actions against truck manufacturers over NOx emissions violations in recent years, including a $196.5 million settlement with Volvo in May 2026. Federal EPA guidance on emissions-control tampering has tightened, with increased scrutiny of aftermarket modifications and delete kits.

Fleets managing emissions compliance face operational challenges beyond regulatory requirements. DEF freezes at 12 degrees Fahrenheit, requiring heated storage tanks and lines in cold climates. SCR systems add maintenance intervals and potential failure points that can sideline equipment. The new resource center consolidates technical guidance on these operational issues alongside regulatory compliance materials.

What small fleets should know

Small fleets and owner-operators managing their own maintenance can use the resource center to access manufacturer-neutral technical documentation on SCR and DEF systems. The platform provides troubleshooting guides that can help diagnose fault codes before calling a dealer, potentially reducing downtime and repair costs. Educational webinars offer training on DEF handling, storage, and quality control that can prevent contamination issues.

Fleets should verify that any aftermarket modifications to emissions systems comply with EPA regulations. The resource center includes guidance on legal modifications and clarifies common misconceptions about emissions-control requirements. Tampering with SCR systems to improve fuel economy or reduce DEF consumption violates federal law and can result in enforcement actions.

The Engine Technology Forum resource center is available online. Fleets can access technical fact sheets, webinars, and policy materials without registration. The organization plans to update content as EPA guidance and emissions regulations evolve.

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