“The U.S.’s Biggest Clean Air Act Penalty Ever? Engine Maker Accused of Cheating on Emissions Tests

The U.S. engine maker, Cummins, Inc., is facing its largest ever penalty from the Clean Air Act as it stands accused of cheating emissions tests. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that Cummins Inc. may be held responsible for up to $1.5 billion in fines if it does not address substandard diesel engines which fail to meet emissions standards. The penalty, which is the largest ever penalty under the Clean Air Act and one of the EPA’s largest enforcement actions, has sent shockwaves through the automotive industry. The U.S. Department of Justice alleges that Cummins deliberately incorporated undisclosed emissions-defeat software into certain kinds of diesel engines for off-road vehicles, which act as pollutants when the engine is in use. The devices bypass, defeat, or render inoperative components of the vehicles’ emissions system, allowing the vehicles to emit up to 50 times more of certain pollutants than what is allowed by law. The company allegedly sold as many as 500,000 vehicles with these engines between 1998 and 2015. Cummins Inc. has denied the charges, arguing that the vehicles which can be affected by these defeat devices are legally exempt from emissions standards. They also deny that the undefined pollutant referred to by the EPA is actually a pollutant. The EPA is reportedly seeking abatement measures from Cummins to improve air quality and minimize the harm caused by the emissions from the vehicles. This may include replacing affected engines, improved testing, and enforcing a stricter maintenance schedule. This is a major blow for the auto industry, which is already under pressure to meet high emissions standards. Cummins is one of the U.S.’s largest engine makers, producing engines for several vehicle manufacturers such as Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler. It is likely that the penalty will be seen by other engine makers as a warning and prompt them to fully comply with emissions standards or face a similar fate. The EPA’s Administrator, Andrew Wheeler, has issued a hardline warning to companies, saying “EPA will not tolerate cheating of any kind and will continue to pursue those who circumvent emissions standards. All companies must play by the same rules and meet the same standards.” This action is the latest in the EPA’s efforts to ensure companies cooperate with regulations and does not take shortcuts to increase profits. It shows that the agency is serious about cracking down on corporate wrongdoing and is willing to take drastic measures if necessary. The U.S. engine maker, Cummins, Inc., is facing its largest ever penalty from the Clean Air Act as it stands accused of cheating emissions tests. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that Cummins Inc. may be held responsible for up to $1.5 billion in fines if it does not address substandard diesel engines which fail to meet emissions standards. The penalty, which is the largest ever penalty under the Clean Air Act and one of the EPA’s largest enforcement actions, has sent shockwaves through the automotive industry. The U.S. Department of Justice alleges that Cummins deliberately incorporated undisclosed emissions-defeat software into certain kinds of diesel engines for off-road vehicles, which act as pollutants when the engine is in use. The devices bypass, defeat, or render inoperative components of the vehicles’ emissions system, allowing the vehicles to emit up to 50 times more of certain pollutants than what is allowed by law. The company allegedly sold as many as 500,000 vehicles with these engines between 1998 and 2015. Cummins Inc. has denied the charges, arguing that the vehicles which can be affected by these defeat devices are legally exempt from emissions standards. They also deny that the undefined pollutant referred to by the EPA is actually a pollutant. The EPA is reportedly seeking abatement measures from Cummins to improve air quality and minimize the harm caused by the emissions from the vehicles. This may include replacing affected engines, improved testing, and enforcing a stricter maintenance schedule. This is a major blow for the auto industry, which is already under pressure to meet high emissions standards. Cummins is one of the U.S.’s largest engine makers, producing engines for several vehicle manufacturers such as Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler. It is likely that the penalty will be seen by other engine makers as a warning and prompt them to fully comply with emissions standards or face a similar fate. The EPA’s Administrator, Andrew Wheeler, has issued a hardline warning to companies, saying “EPA will not tolerate cheating of any kind and will continue to pursue those who circumvent emissions standards. All companies must play by the same rules and meet the same standards.” This action is the latest in the EPA’s efforts to ensure companies cooperate with regulations and does not take shortcuts to increase profits. It shows that the agency is serious about cracking down on corporate wrongdoing and is willing to take drastic measures if necessary.