The EPA has recently taken action against two Idaho tuning shops, GDP Tuning and Gorilla Performance, and their owner Barry Pierce, for selling diesel emissions defeat devices. The U.S. Department of Justice has announced that the shops and their owner have agreed to pay a total fine of $1 million after pleading guilty to selling and installing illegal defeat devices.
Diesel emissions defeat devices are aftermarket modifications that alter the emissions control systems of diesel vehicles, allowing them to emit higher levels of pollutants than permitted by law. These devices are often used by individuals who engage in “coal rolling,” a practice where diesel truck owners intentionally modify their vehicles to emit large plumes of black smoke.
The EPA has been cracking down on coal rolling and the sale of defeat devices in recent years due to the harmful effects of increased air pollution. Diesel emissions contribute to the formation of smog, which can have serious health impacts, particularly for individuals with respiratory conditions.
The $1 million fine imposed on GDP Tuning, Gorilla Performance, and Barry Pierce sends a strong message that the EPA is committed to enforcing regulations and holding those who violate them accountable. It also serves as a deterrent for other tuning shops and individuals who may be tempted to engage in similar illegal activities.
In addition to the financial penalty, the shops and their owner have also been ordered to cease all illegal activities related to the sale and installation of defeat devices. They will be required to implement a compliance program to ensure future compliance with emissions regulations.
This enforcement action by the EPA is part of a broader effort to reduce diesel emissions and improve air quality. The agency has been working with state and local governments, as well as industry stakeholders, to develop and implement strategies to reduce emissions from diesel vehicles.
One of the key strategies employed by the EPA is the enforcement of emissions standards for new diesel vehicles. The agency sets strict limits on the amount of pollutants that new vehicles can emit, and manufacturers must certify that their vehicles meet these standards before they can be sold in the United States.
However, the sale and installation of defeat devices undermines these efforts by allowing vehicles to emit higher levels of pollutants than permitted. This not only contributes to air pollution but also creates an unfair advantage for individuals who engage in coal rolling, as they are able to bypass emissions regulations and avoid the costs associated with complying with them.
The EPA’s enforcement actions against GDP Tuning, Gorilla Performance, and Barry Pierce demonstrate the agency’s commitment to leveling the playing field and ensuring that all individuals and businesses comply with emissions regulations. By holding violators accountable, the EPA is sending a clear message that illegal activities will not be tolerated.
It is important for consumers to be aware of the risks associated with the use of defeat devices and to support businesses that prioritize compliance with emissions regulations. By choosing to work with reputable tuning shops and avoiding the use of defeat devices, consumers can play a role in reducing diesel emissions and improving air quality.
In conclusion, the EPA’s recent enforcement action against GDP Tuning, Gorilla Performance, and Barry Pierce highlights the agency’s commitment to reducing diesel emissions and improving air quality. The $1 million fine serves as a deterrent for other tuning shops and individuals who may be tempted to engage in similar illegal activities. By enforcing emissions regulations and holding violators accountable, the EPA is working towards a cleaner and healthier environment for all.
