## Cobb Tuning Settles with US Department of Justice and EPA over Clean Air Act Violations
### The Settlement and Accusations
Performance brand Cobb Tuning has reached a settlement with the United States Department of Justice and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) following accusations of violating the Clean Air Act. The company is among several tuners targeted for the production of “defeat devices,” which has led to the closure of major parts manufacturers and retailers. However, despite the accusations, Cobb Tuning will be able to continue selling tuning equipment.
The EPA announced the settlement on Monday, and Cobb Tuning provided further details on Tuesday. Cobb was accused of selling over 90,000 “defeat devices” that disabled or bypassed emissions controls since January 2015. As part of the settlement, Cobb Tuning will pay $2.9 million in civil penalties based on its limited ability to pay. The EPA has also ordered the company to cease the manufacture and sale of defeat devices.
### Compliance and Changes
According to the settlement, Cobb Tuning must discontinue any involvement with products that violate or enable the violation of the Clean Air Act. However, Cobb claims that it has already made the necessary changes. The company states that it has ceased the sales and support of products that deactivate or circumvent emissions controls and has destroyed its existing inventory of such products. Additionally, Cobb will be required to notify customers, retrain employees and affiliates, and ensure compliance with the court’s orders.
Cobb Tuning asserts that the recent announcement is merely a formality, as it has already taken the required steps to comply with the law. The company has been modifying its tuning software to remain legal since at least April 2022. It will continue selling tuning modules and has provided documentation to the EPA, verifying that its entire product line, including those mentioned in the EPA Complaint, is compliant with emissions standards and the Clean Air Act.
### Cobb Tuning’s Future
Despite the settlement, Cobb Tuning will continue its operations and provide tuning solutions for car enthusiasts. The company’s ability to obtain California Air Resources Board (CARB) Executive Orders or third-party emissions certifications demonstrates compliance with emissions standards and regulations. This commitment to meeting the necessary requirements ensures that Cobb’s products will remain on the market and accessible to independent tuners.
It’s important to note that the government’s focus is primarily on companies involved in the sale of mass-produced defeat devices. Individual car enthusiasts who use Cobb Tuning’s products to enhance their cars’ performance are not the target of these actions. While obtaining CARB certifications is a challenging process, Cobb Tuning and other companies have made the necessary changes to comply with the law and continue providing their services to the automotive community.
### Conclusion
Cobb Tuning’s settlement with the US Department of Justice and EPA highlights the importance of complying with emissions regulations and the consequences of violating the Clean Air Act. The company’s willingness to adapt and make the necessary changes demonstrates its commitment to doing business in a legal and responsible manner. As a result, car enthusiasts can continue to rely on Cobb Tuning for performance tuning solutions without fear of legal repercussions.
While this settlement serves as a reminder for companies in the automotive industry to prioritize compliance, individual car enthusiasts can rest assured that using Cobb’s products for personal vehicle modifications is not the target of such actions. The focus remains on companies involved in the sale of large quantities of defeat devices. As long as independent tuners adhere to legal guidelines, they can continue enjoying the benefits of Cobb Tuning’s offerings.
The future of automotive performance tuning relies on a balance between enthusiasts’ desires and environmental responsibility. By working together and complying with regulations, companies like Cobb Tuning can continue to provide innovative solutions that enhance both the driving experience and environmental sustainability.