Settlement Includes Record Civil Penalty and Pollution Remedies
DETROIT (AP)—Cummins Inc., a renowned engine manufacturer, has announced a significant recall involving 600,000 Ram trucks. This move comes as part of a comprehensive settlement with federal and California authorities. The company had reportedly utilized illegal software to circumvent diesel emissions tests, resulting in considerable environmental harm.
Settlement Details
In December, a landmark settlement was reached, the specifics of which were recently disclosed. Central to the settlement is a staggering $1.675 billion civil penalty, the largest ever imposed under the Clean Air Act. This considerable penalty underscores the gravity of the violations and the authorities’ commitment to upholding environmental standards.
Additional Pollution Remedies
Beyond the civil penalty, Cummins Inc. has also been mandated to allocate an additional $325 million toward pollution remediation efforts. This funding is intended to address and mitigate the environmental damage inflicted by the illegal software that enabled the company to flout diesel emissions tests.
Environmental Impact
Cummins Inc.’s illegal software allowed its engines to pass emissions tests deceptively while emitting pollutants at levels far exceeding legal limits. This malpractice undermined regulatory frameworks and posed significant risks to environmental health and public safety.