Clean Fuel News

Volkswagen Settlement To Include Clean Air Project Funding

In two related settlements, one with the United States and the State of California, and one with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, Volkswagen has agreed to spend up to $14.7 billion to settle allegations of deceptive advertising and the installation of "defeat" devices on its vehicles’ emissions systems. Of the $14.7 billion, $2.7 billion will support emissions reduction projects, similar to those funded by EPA’s Diesel Emissions Reduction Act, over 3 years. Volkswagen will place the funds in a mitigation trust that will be administered by an independent trustee.

Volkswagen’s "defeat" devices, installed on nearly 500,000 model year 2009–2015 2.0-L diesel vehicles sold or leased in the U.S, activate full emissions controls only during emissions testing. During regular driving, the vehicles emit nitrogen oxides (NOx) at levels up to 40 times higher than permitted by federal law. More information about the settlement is available at theEPA website.