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“US Engine Maker To Pay Biggest Penalty In History On Clean Air Act Violations!

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is making the case for a massive penalty settlement against engine manufacturer Cummins Inc for allegedly violating the Clean Air Act by evading emissions tests for its heavy-duty trucks. The EPA announced Monday that it has charged the company with installing undisclosed software on its diesel engines to cheat emissions tests. The company is accused of hiding the software from regulators and it has reportedly admitted to some of the charges. The EPA says the settlement with Cummins would be the largest-ever penalty for a single violation of the Clean Air Act. The proposed penalty includes a $14 million civil penalty and $3.7 million in government cost recovery. The settlement also would require Cummins to recall and repair the diesel engines which are estimated to have produced as much as 5,030 tons of nitrogen oxides (NOx) above the legal limit. The alleged cheating software was installed on diesel engines used for industrial and railway purposes between 2002 and 2018. The engines were used for railroad locomotives, generators, and other industrial or construction purposes. The company has agreed to spend an estimated $127.5 million to make sure its diesel engines meet emissions limits. It has foreign markets in India, South Korea, and China. In addition to repaying civil penalties, Cummins will also have to take steps to reduce air pollution to the amount that would have occurred if the cheating software had not been installed. This requirement could include things like installing emissions control systems, replacing engines with devices that reduce exhaust, or investing in projects that reduce emissions. Cummins has vehemently denied intentionally violating the Clean Air Act but is willing to settle out of court and hand over the required funds to pay for penalties and the environmental measures that are required to amend the consequences of violating the Clean Air Act. The hefty settlement hopes to set an example to the industry to make sure that they are keeping with the environmental standards in the United States. The diesel engine market is a lucrative one but it is also highly regulated in U.S. in order to control the emissions and preserve the air quality. This proposed settlement shows that the government is not afraid to take a strict stance on any company that is found to have violated the Clean Air Act.