“Unprecedented Fines: US Engine Maker Frolics with Emissions Test Cheating

The Ford Motor Company is reportedly facing the largest clean air act violation penalty ever after being accused of cheating on diesel engine emissions tests. The U.S. Justice Department has alleged that Ford knew its 6.7L diesel engine used in its Super Duty trucks was testing higher emissions than what was allowed under the law. The company is facing more than $400 million in total fines—the largest penalty ever specified by the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Justice for violating the Clean Air Act. The government’s investigation began in 2016 when it was revealed that Ford equipped some of their trucks with a so-called defeat device, which changed the way the engine operated in order to essentially fool the mandated emissions tests. The device would prevent the emissions from exceeding the allowable levels only when the truck was being tested, and would generate significantly higher emissions while driven on the road. The Justice Department alleges that Ford was aware of the presence of the device, and therefore its trucks were over-emitting nitrogen oxides (NOx), which have been linked to smog-causing ground-level ozone and other forms of air pollution. The penalty could include criminal penalties as well as other financial penalties. Ford released a statement saying that the company “remains committed to producing the highest quality vehicles that comply with all applicable safety and environmental standards,” and that they intend to “carefully review the court filing and respond accordingly.” The Clean Air Act, established in 1970, has been instrumental in reducing air pollution and improving air quality in the United States. This fine, if approved, would not only serve as a deterrent to companies that might be tempted to try and cheat emissions tests, but also could help to reduce the overall levels of air pollution in the country, protecting public health and preserving the environment.