Four automotive parts distributors based in Southern California have reached settlements over allegations of Clean Air Act violations, according to an announcement by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The companies collectively paid $52,271 in fines for offering illegal aftermarket auto parts.

EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman stated, "These settlements represent our commitment to stopping the sale of illegal defeat devices, which worsen harmful pollution and disproportionately impact communities with environmental justice concerns." She further pledged that the EPA would "continue to investigate and penalize anyone who manufactures, sells, or installs these types of illegal products."

The companies involved are Mizumo Auto, PPE Inc., Performance Parts, Domestic Gaskets and Mizumo Auto, as per the EPA news release. These firms were selling aftermarket parts known as defeat devices that evade required emissions control systems and release toxic air pollutants.

Domestic Gaskets, based in El Monte, was cited for 635 violations and fined $12,415. Another El Monte-based company, Mizumo Auto was cited for 1,609 violations and settled their claims with a penalty of $11,268. Montclair-based PPE Inc. was cited for 121 violations and fined $24,000. Performance Parts from El Monte was cited for 1,055 violations and agreed to pay a penalty of $4,588.

The news release further explained that the Clean Air Act prohibits the sale and development of auto parts designed to evade emission control devices such as software detecting diesel fuel injection. The sale of these illegal aftermarket auto parts contributes significantly to emissions of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. These defeat devices are often purchased to enhance engine performance. However, the EPA has already negotiated with major manufacturers of these devices to prevent their market entry due to the air toxins they emit. These pollutants are associated with numerous respiratory problems nationwide.