Settlements with four parts distributors totaling over $50,000 resolve claims of violations of the Clean Air Act
San Francisco—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced settlements with four automotive parts distributors to resolve claims of violations of the Clean Air Act. The Southern California companies — Domestic Gaskets, Mizumo Auto, PPE Inc., and Performance Parts — illegally manufactured or sold aftermarket auto parts, otherwise known as defeat devices, that bypass or disabling required emissions control systems. The companies paid $52,271 combined in penalties.
Domestic Gaskets, located in El Monte, sells and distributes motor vehicle parts to customers throughout the United States. The company was cited for 635 violations and will pay a penalty of $12,415 to settle those claims.
Mizumo Auto, also located in El Monte, sells and distributes motor vehicle parts to customers throughout the United States. The company was cited for 1,609 violations and will pay a penalty of $11,268 to settle those claims.
PPE Inc., located in Montclair, manufactures, sells, and distributes aftermarket parts to customers throughout the United States. The company was cited for 121 violations and will pay a penalty of $24,000 to settle those claims.
Performance Parts, located in El Monte, sells and distributes motor vehicle parts to customers throughout the United States. The company was cited for 1,055 violations and will pay a penalty of $4,588 to settle those claims.
It is a violation of the Clean Air Act to manufacture, sell, or install a part for a motor vehicle that bypasses, defeats, or renders inoperative any emission control device. For example, computer software that alters diesel fuel injection timing is an illegal defeat device. Defeat devices, which are often sold to enhance engine performance, work by disabling a vehicle’s emission controls, causing air pollution. As a result of EPA enforcement, some of the largest manufacturers of defeat devices have agreed to pay penalties and stop the sale of defeat devices.
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