The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has penalized Allied Exhaust Systems, Inc., operating as Team Allied Distribution in the Bay Area, with a $1.1 million fine for violating the Clean Air Act. The company was found to be illegally selling aftermarket emissions-control defeat devices across the United States. These devices are designed to bypass or disable vehicle emission control systems, significantly increasing harmful air pollution.
This legal action is a part of the EPA’s National Compliance Initiative, targeting the illegal manufacture, sale, and installation of defeat devices in vehicles and engines. Team Allied Distribution, located in Benicia, California, a hub for Bay Area Car Parts distribution, reportedly sold over 4,500 parts specifically designed to circumvent or neutralize original equipment manufacturer emission reduction technologies.
“Aftermarket defeat devices are a direct violation of U.S. law and contribute significantly to air pollution, posing serious risks to public health,” stated EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “The EPA is dedicated to vigorously enforcing regulations against businesses engaged in these unlawful and environmentally damaging practices, especially within regions like the bay area car parts market where vehicle density is high.”
Tampering with vehicle emissions systems, particularly through the installation of defeat devices in both diesel and gasoline vehicles, leads to a substantial increase in the release of harmful pollutants such as NOx and particulate matter. These pollutants are known to cause and exacerbate severe health issues, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, asthma, bronchitis, and reduced lung function. Studies have also established a link between diesel exhaust and a higher risk of lung cancer, particularly affecting communities with lower incomes. Underserved communities, often disproportionately burdened by pollution, are especially vulnerable to respiratory problems, impacting families and children significantly. For residents looking for responsible bay area car parts, it’s crucial to ensure that any replacements or upgrades comply with environmental regulations to avoid contributing to this problem.
The EPA’s National Compliance Initiative is actively working to stop the proliferation of these illegal devices. This initiative underscores the importance of compliant bay area car parts and systems in maintaining air quality and public health. By cracking down on companies selling defeat devices, the EPA aims to protect communities from the harmful effects of increased vehicle emissions and promote a cleaner environment.
For further information about the EPA’s efforts, you can explore the National Compliance Initiative: Stopping Aftermarket Defeat Devices for Vehicles and Engines. If you have information regarding the manufacture, sale, or installation of illegal defeat devices or emissions tampering, please report it to the EPA at [email protected]. Staying informed and choosing compliant bay area car parts are essential steps in supporting cleaner air and healthier communities.
