Cummins Paid $46 Million Over Undisclosed Engine Changes and Emissions-Control Devices

Summary

In March 2024, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and California Department of Justice announced a $46 million settlement with Cummins Inc. resolving claims that the company violated California engine emissions-control and certification requirements. According to California regulators, Cummins made undisclosed changes to approximately 120,000 engines after CARB had already certified those engines for sale. Regulators also found that roughly 2,000 Cummins engines contained undisclosed auxiliary emission-control devices that altered the emissions-control system and resulted in emissions exceeding regulatory limits. Approximately $42 million of the settlement was allocated to CARB, including about $32 million in penalties and approximately $9.8 million to mitigate excess nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from the non-compliant engines. Another $4 million was payable in connection with California Attorney General claims involving unfair business practices and public nuisance. The settlement also included injunctive relief intended to prevent similar violations. CARB stated that Cummins fully cooperated with its investigation and would conduct an emissions recall covering approximately 2,000 affected engines at no cost to owners. Sources: California Department of Justice — Engine Manufacturer Cummins Settles California Certification Procedure and Emission Violations Case for $46 Million https://oag.ca.gov/node/582527 California Air Resources Board — Cummins Inc. Settlement https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/cummins-inc-settlement-0 California Air Resources Board — $46 Million Cummins Settlement Announcement https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/news/engine-manufacturer-cummins-settles-california-certification-procedure-and-emissions