General Motors to pay nearly $146 million for cars that violated emissions rules

General Motors has reached a settlement with the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Transportation to resolve excess emissions from nearly 6 million vehicles. The company also agreed to pay a penalty of nearly $146 million.

The penalty is the result of an EPA investigation that found excess carbon dioxide emissions from GM vehicles, violating federal regulations. Tests by both GM and the EPA found that the company’s vehicles emitted an average of 10% higher levels of CO2 than reported in previous reports.

“EPA’s vehicle standards depend on strong oversight to ensure real-world public health benefits,” said EPA Administrator Michael Regan. “Our investigation has led to accountability and sustains an important program that reduces air pollution and protects communities across the country.”

The agreement comes after the Biden administration announced some of the toughest vehicle emissions standards yet.

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As part of the agreement, the car company retired about 50 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emission credits. In a statement to Washington ExaminerA GM spokesman said the company would resolve outstanding issues with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration by combining compliance mechanisms. However, in agreeing to the resolution, General Motors did not admit to any wrongdoing or failure to comply with federal regulations, including the Clean Air Act and the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975.

“We believe this is the best course of action to quickly resolve outstanding issues with the federal government in this matter,” said Bill Grotz, a company spokesman. “GM remains committed to reducing vehicle emissions and working toward the administration’s fleet electrification goals.”