The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently said that it has reached settlements with companies in Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska for selling automobile "defeat device" violations.
According to a release, the EPA accused the companies of violating the federal Clean Air Act by installing and/or selling illegal “defeat devices” in vehicle engines designed to render emissions controls inoperative.
"Modifying auto emissions impedes federal, state, and local efforts to implement air quality standards that protect public health," Wendy Lubbe acting director EPA Region 7 Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division said in the release. "EPA is committed to enforce the law against businesses involved in these illegal and harmful practices."
The companies accused of violations include Banghart Diesel Performance, Black Widow Diesel and Voodoo Diesel located in Wahoo, Nebraska, Center Point, Iowa and Raymore, Missouri respectively. The companies have agreed to dispose of their defeat device inventory and certify that they have stopped selling and installing the illegal devices. Cumulative civil penalties in the amount of $86,000 have also been imposed on the companies.
The defeat devices were designed to bypass manufacturer emissions controls, which would result in increased emissions of toxic nitrogen oxides and particulate matter.
In 2019, stopping aftermarket defeat devices was defined as one of six National Compliance Initiatives by the agency .
