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Officials announced that a New York-based company and its principal are facing a civil complaint for alleged violations of the Clean Air Act.<\/p>\n
Long Island-based company Spectrum Wholesale, Inc. and Thomas J. Ciccarelli, Spectrum\u2019s principal were the subject of a civil complaint filed in Central Islip, according to a January 8 announcement from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Attorney\u2019s Office for the Eastern District of New York<\/a>.<\/p>\n Officials say that between\u00a0October 18, 2019 and September 2, 2020, primarily\u00a0through online transactions, the defendants sold, offered for sale, or caused the sale of approximately 672 aftermarket parts that defeat motor vehicle emission controls (commonly known as \u201caftermarket defeat devices\u201d).<\/p>\n The sale of aftermarket defeat devices violates the Clean Air Act.<\/p>\n The civil complaint seeks a court order finding that defendants\u2019 sales violate the Clean Air Act, injunctive relief enjoining Defendants from further violations, as well as civil penalties for each violation.<\/p>\n \u201cThese sales have put the public health and the environment at risk by defeating critical vehicle emission controls on hundreds of vehicles,\u201d stated United States Attorney Peace.\u00a0 \u201cMy Office will continue to rigorously enforce the Clean Air Act against those who degrade the public health and environment to make a fast dollar.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe increased air pollution resulting from these devices threatens the health of everyone, especially those with pre-existing health conditions, children and older adults,\u201d stated EPA Regional Administrator Garcia.\u00a0 \u201cTo protect public health, EPA is enforcing measures to eliminate the manufacture and sale of such devices to ensure that the vehicles on our roads meet required emission standards.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n