California rejects VW's diesel recall plan

The California Air Resources Board(CARB) on Tuesday notified Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. that it is rejecting VW's submitted recall plan for 2-liter diesel passenger vehicles sold in the state on the U.S. west coast between 2009 and 2015.

The board, under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at the Golden State, also notified VW of violations of California air quality regulations associated with the company's use of a "defeat device" in those cars.

"Volkswagen made a decision to cheat on emissions tests and then tried to cover it up," said CARB Chair Mary D. Nichols. "They continued and compounded the lie and when they were caught they tried to deny it. The result is thousands of tons of nitrogen oxide that have harmed the health of Californians. They need to make it right. Today's action is a step in the direction of assuring that will happen."

The state government branch made public three separate official documents related to its actions: A transmittal letter signed by Executive Officer Richard W. Corey; the rejection of VW's submitted recall plan; and the formal Notice of Violation.

CARB said the actions Tuesday do not preclude a recall, but allow for a broader array of potential remedies, and vowed to continue its investigation and technical evaluations with EPA to return the vehicles to legally required emission levels, determine mitigation for past and future environmental harm, and assess penalties. Endit