An auto parts company in Texas has been hit with a big fine for violating clean air laws.
Busted: COBB Tuning Products from Austin must pay over $2.9 million for selling auto parts that bypass emission controls.
- The EPA and Justice Department announced the settlement on September 16.
- COBB produced and sold more than 90,000 of these defeat devices since 2015.
What's next: COBB will not only pay the penalty but also has to:
- Remove delete features from its software.
- Destroy remaining illegal products.
- Stop offering technical support for these defective parts.
- Revise all marketing materials.
- Notify previous buyers about the violations.
- Conduct compliance training for employees and contractors.
These devices allow vehicles to disable EPA-approved emission controls, leading to increased pollution, according to an EPA press release.
Why it matters: The EPA noted that these illegal parts harm air quality, especially in areas already dealing with high pollution levels.