California continues to drive major policy trends that affect equipment manufacturers, and the second half of 2025 highlighted both the challenges and opportunities ahead. AEM remained actively engaged throughout the year, especially on autonomous equipment, PFAS legislation, and emissions-related programs, and will be even more involved as the policy and regulatory landscape evolves in 2026.
Autonomous Tractors: Cal/OSHA Board Signals a Reset
A central focus in 2025 was Cal/OSHA’s work on a regulatory pathway for autonomous agricultural equipment. For much of the year, the advisory committee struggled to gain momentum. The draft direction that finally emerged from the advisory committee leaned heavily on the California Department of Motor Vehicles’ (DMV’s) autonomous vehicle framework. However, this process was developed for on-road cars and trucks, not off-road agricultural equipment. If adopted, this approach could have required a multi-stage approval timeline stretching close to a decade, delaying innovation and limiting grower access to technology that improves safety and efficiency.
AEM consistently urged Cal/OSHA to pursue a more practical, timely framework tailored to agricultural realities. That message resonated. On November 20th, the Cal/OSHA Standards Board declined to vote on the advisory committee’s recommendation and instead directed the committee to continue its work and find a faster, more appropriate solution for the agricultural community.
This reset creates a key opportunity in 2026. AEM will remain deeply engaged as the advisory committee reconvenes, working to ensure that any proposed framework supports safe deployment without unnecessary delays or barriers to innovation.
PFAS Legislation: A Temporary Pause, Not the End of the Debate
AEM also spent time in 2025 working for the equipment manufacturing industry’s interest to amend SB 682. SB 682 was a broad PFAS ban that posed significant challenges for equipment manufacturers. The bill’s sweeping definitions and unrealistic compliance timelines would have disrupted supply chains and overlooked essential-use components. AEM and other stakeholders were able to amend the bill to a neutral status as equipment was exempt from the final version which passed the legislature.
Governor Newsom ultimately vetoed SB 682. However, the conversation is far from over. The legislature is widely expected to revisit PFAS restrictions in 2026, potentially with an even broader proposal.
AEM will continue to push for a balanced, science-driven approach that protects public health while ensuring manufacturers have viable pathways to comply.
Emissions, Education, and 2026 Priorities
Looking ahead, emissions policy will be another major focus. In 2026 AEM plans to increase industry education efforts, helping policymakers better understand equipment emissions profiles, the state of alternative power solutions, and the real-world challenges of transitioning to low- and zero-emission equipment.
AEM will also continue advocating for full and continued funding of the Funding Agricultural Replacement Measures for Emission Reductions (FARMER) program in 2026, which remains essential for helping growers adopt cleaner equipment and accelerating technology turnover in the agricultural sector.
California’s regulatory landscape will remain highly active in 2026. From autonomous equipment rules to PFAS policy to emissions programs, AEM will continue working to ensure that California’s decisions support innovation, competitiveness, and the long-term health of the equipment manufacturing industry.
