Jerry Martin
(916) 322-2990
Karen Caesar
(626) 575-6728
www.arb.ca.gov
Air Resources Board Settles with West Coast Choppers for $271,250
SACRAMENTO - The California Air Resources Board (ARB) has negotiated a settlement with television
personality Jesse James of West Coast Choppers for $271,250 stemming from the sale of more than 50 new and/or custom-built
motorcycles that were not certified to the state's strict emissions standards. The sales occurred between 1998
and 2005.
"We take our mission to enforce air quality laws seriously," said Catherine Witherspoon, ARB Executive
Officer. "It's vital for all dealers to understand that if they sell uncertified motorcycles to California
residents, chances are high that they will be caught and held accountable."
Emissions data shows that an uncertified engine in a motorcycle can emit up to 10 times more pollution than a certified
one. "California has the poorest air quality in the nation, so every ounce of pollution we clean up makes
a difference," added Witherspoon.
Witherspoon went on to say that West Coast Choppers is now building emissions-compliant motorcycles.
West Coast Choppers is based in Long Beach, California.
The Air Resources Board is a department of the California Environmental Protection
Agency. ARB's mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective
reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy. The ARB oversees all air
pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain health based air quality standards.
