Cummins to Pay Record Fine; Repair More than 600K Ram Trucks

Cummins Inc., a diesel engine manufacturer, has agreed to pay a record $1.675 billion civil penalty to settle allegations of violating the Clean Air Act and California law.

The settlement, reached with the US Department of Justice, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and the California Attorney General's office, resolves claims that Cummins installed software "defeat devices" in its engines to cheat on emissions tests.

According to the settlement, Cummins must recall and repair over 600,000 Ram 2500 and 3500 model-year 2013-2019 pickup trucks equipped with its diesel engines to remove the defeat devices and bring the vehicles into compliance with emissions standards. The company must also extend warranties on certain parts for repaired vehicles and fund projects to mitigate excess NOx emissions. The settlement is the latest in a series of enforcement actions taken by regulators against automakers accused of using defeat devices to cheat on emissions tests.

In recent years, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, and Fiat Chrysler have all faced similar penalties for violating emissions regulations.

The Cummins settlement highlights the ongoing effort by regulators to crack down on emissions cheating and protect public health. Exposure to NOx pollution can have serious health consequences, including respiratory problems and increased risk of cancer. By holding companies accountable for their actions, regulators hope to create a cleaner, healthier environment for all Americans.