SACRAMENTO -- Forest River, Inc., a recreational vehicle (RV) manufacturer, and La Mesa RV, an RV dealership, have settled with the California Air Resources Board (ARB) for $345,000 for selling new motor homes to California residents that did not meet the state's tough emission standards.

"New vehicles sold in California are required to have an ARB approved emission control system," said ARB Executive Officer, Catherine Witherspoon. "We hope this settlement sends a clear message to other businesses that we take this issue seriously. California's emissions standards are the cornerstone of our clean air programs. To protect public health as well as the economy, we will pursue businesses who try to skirt the rules and sell vehicles illegally."

Forest River, Inc. paid $333,000 and La Mesa RV paid $12,000 as settlements for their violations. Based in Indiana, RV manufacturer Forest River, Inc. through California dealers sold or assisted in the sale of 40 new Sun Seeker motor homes that were not California certified. According to the ARB, vehicles with less than 7,500 miles are considered "new" and must be certified to California standards to be sold here legally.

La Mesa RV, a dealership with corporate headquarters in San Diego, sold or assisted in the sale of three new motor homes that were not California certified.

Settlement monies will be paid to the California Air Pollution Control Fund (APCF). The APCF is used to mitigate various sources of pollution through education and the advancement and use of cleaner technology.


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.