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Settlements benefit education and air quality research
. 

Release #:10-65
Date:12/30/2010

ARB PIO: (916) 322-2990
CONTACT:

Karen Caesar
626-575-6728
kcaesar@arb.ca.gov




Over $1 million in settlement funds go to community colleges,
clean air fund

Settlements benefit education and air quality research

SACRAMENTO - The California Air Resources Board distributed over
$1 million to community colleges and a state clean air fund as a
result of settlements with over 58 companies that violated clean
air laws.

California law requires that companies doing business in the
state meet clean air standards and routinely check to make sure
their equipment complies with ARB rules.

The California Air Pollution Control Fund will receive just over
$1 million for projects and research to improve California's air
quality. Over $76,000 will go to the Peralta college district to
fund emissions education classes conducted by participating
California community colleges around the state.

The funds come from settlements for the following violations:

    * Sold uncertified hybrid engines for in use transit buses
($50,000), ISE Corporation of Poway, Calif.
    * Offered for sale and sold non-California certified vehicles
($50,000), Tiffany Coachworks of Corona, Calif.
    * Sold generators without the required emission control
catalysts ($204,000), Robin America of Wood Dale, Ill.
    * Sold uncertified tractors and windrower engines ($77,000),
AGCO Corporation of Duluth, Ga.
    * Modified and sold new 2010 Chevrolet Camaros for use or
registration in California ($12,500), Hendrick Automotive Group
of Charlotte, N.C.
    * Sold catalytic converters that were no longer for sale in
the state of California ($125,000), O’Reilly Auto Parts of
Springfield, Mo. 


Fifty-six other companies settled for a total of $629,306 for
failure to:

    * Properly inspect their diesel vehicles, as required by
California law; and/or,
    * Properly affix emissions labels on engines; and/or,
    * Register and submit transport refrigeration unit facility
reports.


Diesel and gasoline-powered vehicles emit smog-forming
pollutants, including nitrogen oxides.  In 1998 the ARB listed
diesel particulate matter as a toxic air contaminant in order to
protect public health. Diesel exhaust contains a variety of
harmful gases and over 40 other known cancer-causing compounds.
Theses emissions are linked health problems and can exacerbate
common respiratory conditions such as asthma.

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.

Office of Communications 1001 I Street, Sacramento CA 95814. Ph:
(916) 322-2990