In 2016, the United States settled complaints against Volkswagen AG, et al. The settlement resolved claims that Volkswagen violated the Clean Air Act by selling approximately 590,000 vehicles with 2.0- and 3.0-liter diesel engines having emissions defeat devices. The vehicles were from model years 2009 to 2016.
As part of their engine control modules, the vehicles contained computer algorithms and calibrations that caused emission control systems to perform differently during emissions testing to guarantee passing scores. During normal operation, the vehicles emitted levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx) that significantly exceeded EPA standards.
The settlement consisted of multiple agreements and required Volkswagen to take certain actions, such as paying $2.9 billion to a national environmental mitigation trust fund. Beneficiaries — in this case, states — must use their shares to fund specific projects that reduce emissions of NOx from mobile sources. Visit the Volkswagen Trust Advisory Committee page for past meeting documents and videos
Contact Information
Air Pollution Control Program
Division of Environmental Quality
P.O. Box 176
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176
United States
