EPA's In-Use Emissions Testing and Volkswagen's "Defeat Devices" : CRS Insight

Author / Creator

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service. Resources, Science, and Industry Division

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Online

Summary

Reviews EPA emissions standards for pollutants that affect public health and welfare. Discusses EPA regulation of diesel emissions and prohibitions in the Clean Air Act against manufacturers instal...

Reviews EPA emissions standards for pollutants that affect public health and welfare. Discusses EPA regulation of diesel emissions and prohibitions in the Clean Air Act against manufacturers installation or sale of parts or components that "bypass, defeat, or render inoperative any [emission control] device." Explains the in-use verification program under which automakers must test vehicles after production. Examines EPA investigation into Volkswagen of America, Inc. alleged installation of "defeat device" software in nearly half a million of its diesel vehicles.

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