DEQ News Release

 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

September 11, 2017

ADEQ Seeking Input on Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Plan

NORTH LITTLE ROCK—The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is seeking public input on the development of a plan to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in Arkansas.

The State of Arkansas is poised to receive $14,647,709.09 as a result of two partial consent decrees resulting from a settlement with Volkswagen Automotive Group and associated legal entities for violations of the federal Clean Air Act. Volkswagen sold approximately 500,000 model year 2009–2015 vehicles equipped with two-liter diesel engines and approximately 80,000 model year 2009–2016 vehicles equipped with three-liter diesel engines. The subject vehicles were equipped with defeat devices used to decrease emissions of NOx during emissions testing, but allowed much higher NOx emissions during on-road use. NOx contributes to the formation of ozone which is a respiratory irritant and the primary ingredient of smog.

Eligible mitigation actions under terms of the consent decrees include:
• Replacement or repowering of large freight and port drayage trucks
• Replacement or repowering of school buses, shuttle buses, and transit buses
• Replacement of repowering of pre-Tier 4 freight switchers
• Repowering of eligible ferries and tugs
• Ocean going vessel shorepower
• Replacement or repowering of local freight trucks
• Replacement or repowering of airport ground support equipment
• Replacement or repowering of forklifts and port cargo handling equipment
• Light duty zero emission vehicle supply equipment
• Use of funds for Diesel Emission Reduction Act projects

While the primary goal of the emissions reduction projects will be to reduce NOx emissions, other benefits will include reductions of other pollutants, economic development, and increased penetration of alternative fuel-powered vehicles. All projects completed using trust fund money will serve to improve air quality throughout Arkansas and improve the lives and health of all Arkansans.

ADEQ has posted a request for information and a draft proposed mitigation plan to its website at https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/air/planning/vw.aspx.

CONTACT: Kelly Robinson (robinson@adeq.state.ar.us or 501.682.0916)

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