Trump Grants Pardons to 9 Diesel Tuners Accused of Removing Emissions Equipment
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President Trump pardoned a diesel mechanic who had been convicted of violating the Clean Air Act in November, and he has done it again. On the eve of Independence Day, the president granted clemency to more than seven individuals who had previously received prison sentences, large civil fines, and severe criminal penalties. This marks a significant shift in the federal government's approach to environmental enforcement.
During a news conference in the Oval Office, the president mentioned that these cases came to his attention “because [he] noticed they were arresting people for fixing their car.” He further stated, “We rule by common sense.”
He was referring to the use of defeat devices, which allow vehicles to function without federally required emissions systems such as diesel particulate filters and exhaust gas recirculation systems. DPF and EGR systems are often criticized for being costly to repair and causing extended downtime for commercial vehicles. The term “defeat devices” can encompass both hardware and software, which are often marketed together as delete kits. The hardware replaces the problematic parts, while the software modifies the vehicle’s electronic control unit to ensure continued operation.
Caleb Jacobs
With Troy Lake, the previously pardoned owner of Elite Diesel Service in Wyoming, are Joshua Davis, Matt Geouge, Jonathan Achtemeier, Tim Clancy, Ryan and Wade Lalone, Barry Pierce, Aaron Rudolf, and Mackenzie Spurlock.
These aren’t the only mechanics and tuners who have faced convictions for emissions violations. The Environmental Protection Agency dedicated years to enforcing the Clean Air Act, going so far as to raid a home to seize the defeat devices being sold. Much of that enforcement has been rolled back under Lee Zeldin, the current EPA administrator, who has focused on deregulation during his time in office. Among his notable actions in the automotive sector is the elimination of auto start/stop technology and instructing truck manufacturers to halt immediate power limitations when vehicles are low on diesel exhaust fluid.
Although there has been some mixed messaging recently, with the Department of Justice pursuing data from diesel truck owners in a high-profile case, the shift in focus is apparent: Neither the president nor the EPA seems particularly interested in enforcing the Clean Air Act regarding diesel vehicles. This is a significant departure from the previous administration’s approach. What the future holds in this regard remains uncertain, but expect to hear more developments on this issue moving forward.
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