ARB settles air quality violations with Pennsylvania company for $2 million

Company illegally sold catalytic converters

SACRAMENTO - The California Air Resources Board reached a settlement with Eastern Manufacturing Inc. of Langhorne, Pa., for $2 million for illegally selling uncertified catalytic converters to California business and consumers.

Aftermarket catalytic converters must be approved by ARB to be advertised, sold, offered for sale or installed in California.

“Catalytic converters are the cornerstone of the clean car technology that helps keep California skies smog-free,” said ARB Chairman Mary D. Nichols.  “When the equipment doesn’t meet standards or malfunctions, air quality and public health suffers.”

The settlement will be paid to the California Air Pollution Control Fund to support projects and research to improve the state's air quality.

California's air quality measures are in place to prevent excessive emissions that can negatively affect public health.  Excess automobile emissions can lead to smog, which in turn can cause difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, coughs, heightened asthma rates, cardiopulmonary ailments and premature deaths.