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Cummins Inc., a renowned engine manufacturer, has agreed to recall 600,000 Ram trucks and address environmental harm caused by illegal software that allowed them to bypass diesel emissions tests. This comes as part of a settlement with federal and California authorities, marking a significant moment in the enforcement of environmental laws.
The details of the settlement, which were finalized in December, reveal a $1.675 billion civil penalty for Cummins – the largest ever under the Clean Air Act. Additionally, the company is to allocate $325 million for pollution mitigation, bringing the total penalty to over $2 billion.
Despite the allegations, Cummins has not admitted liability, as per court documents. The company emphasized that the settlement does not involve any new financial commitments beyond those announced in December. Cummins also stated that some engines cited but not recalled did not exceed emissions limits, and the punishment for the unreported software is included in the penalty.
Cummins’ actions have led to “thousands of tons of excess emissions of nitrogen oxides,” contributing to public health issues like respiratory infections, lung disease, and asthma. The settlement underlines the critical role of emission standards in safeguarding public health and mitigating climate change impacts.
The Cummins case follows several significant emissions cheating scandals in the auto industry, including the notorious Dieselgate involving Volkswagen and similar cases with Fiat Chrysler and Daimler. These instances highlight ongoing challenges in enforcing environmental protection in the automotive sector.
The Cummins settlement marks a pivotal moment in environmental law, emphasizing the importance of corporate accountability in protecting community health and the environment. It serves as a powerful deterrent against emissions cheating and underscores the need for stringent regulation in the automotive industry.
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