EPA v. Suzuki

Case summary

This case concerns the manufacture, importation and sale by Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) of model year 2012 motorcycles that failed to meet the EPA average emission standard. Suzuki is an American corporation that imports and distributes into the United States highway motorcycles and other vehicles from Suzuki Motor Corporation, a Japanese corporation. Suzuki chose to use emission averaging regulations to certify multiple engine families for sale in model year 2012, but the average emissions level for the motorcycles did not comply with the hydrocarbons plus nitrogen oxides emissions standard. Suzuki submitted falsified production reports based on incorrect motorcycle production volumes to demonstrate compliance with the emission standard. EPA will void the certificate of conformity for the 1,599 most-polluting motorcycles in the fleet to restore the averaging balance to allow the remaining engine families to meet the emissions standard. The Clean Air Act requires engine manufacturers to obtain a certificate of conformity issued by EPA demonstrating compliance with applicable emission standards before introducing an engine into commerce. Certificates of conformity cover only those engines produced within a single model year. The companies will implement changes to corporate procedures to improve how they manage and report information to EPA. EPA estimates that the motorcycle fleet contributed to excess emissions of over 36 metric tons of hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides. In this case, highway motorcycles emitted excessive hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides that contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) can cause or contribute to a variety of health problems and adverse environmental impacts, such as ground-level ozone, acid rain, global warming, water quality deterioration, and visual impairment. Affected populations may include children and people with lung diseases such as asthma. Exposure to these conditions can cause damage to lung tissue for people who work or exercise outside. Ground-level ozone ? Ground-level ozone is formed by reactions involving hydrocarbons and NOx in the presence of sunlight. Breathing ozone can trigger a variety of health problems, including chest pain, coughing, throat irritation, and congestion. It can also worsen bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma. Ground-level ozone may damage vegetation and ecosystems as well. In the United States, ozone is responsible for an estimated $500 million in reduced crop production each year. Suzuki will pay a total civil penalty of $2,054,924.

Defendants (2)

• Suzuki Motor CorporationNamed in complaintNamed in settlement
• Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.Named in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• SUZUKI CORPORATION OF AMERICA

  3251 EAST IMPERIAL HIGHWAY, BREA, CA, 92822

  Registry ID: 110006474056

Statutes cited

• CAA 203 — Prohibited Acts - Motor Vehicle & Motor Vehicle Engines

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• Suzukientered 2016-11-08

  Primary law: CAA

  Federal penalty: $2,054,924

Timeline (4 milestones)

• 2016-08-01Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2016-10-05Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2016-11-08Final Order Issued
• 2016-11-17Enforcement Action Closed