General Motors will pay a $145.8 million penalty and forfeit credits worth hundreds of millions after a U.S. government investigation found excess emissions from 5.9 million GM vehicles, agencies announced Wednesday.
The Environmental Protection Agency stated GM will give up 50 million metric tonnes in carbon allowances after a multi-year investigation revealed 2012-2018 model years emitted over 10% more CO2 than reported.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also said GM will pay a penalty of $145.8 million for fuel economy compliance issues and cancel over 30.6 million fuel economy credits for the 2008-2010 model years.
GM previously disclosed discussions with EPA and other regulators regarding credit adjustment, noting a total expense of $450 million related to the issue, valuing the forfeited credits at $300 million.
GM said the figure is “consistent with the costs of the final resolution of these matters with the federal government.”
In a statement, GM said that it has at all times complied with and adhered to all applicable laws and regulations in the certification and in-use testing of the vehicles in question.
The vehicles include 4.6 million 2012-2018 full-size pickups and SUVs and approximately 1.3 million 2012-2018 midsize SUVs.
The EPA is not seeking a recall of the GM vehicles that generated excess emissions. “EPA’s vehicle standards depend on strong oversight in order to deliver public health benefits in the real world,” EPA Administrator Michael Regan said in a statement. “Our investigation has achieved accountability and upholds an important programme that’s reducing air pollution and protecting communities across the country.”
