A recent analysis conducted by the Associated Press found that Volkswagen’s increased emissions levels may have led to dozens of deaths in the United States
In a letter to Volkswagen, Klobuchar called on the company to address the consumer, environmental, and public health issues caused by this deception before it contributes to any further loss of life
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) today called on Volkswagen to take immediate action to address issues caused by its deceptive diesel emissions testing process before any further lives are lost. A recent analysis conducted by the Associated Press found that Volkswagen’s increased emissions levels may have led to dozens of deaths in the United States. In a letter to Volkswagen, Klobuchar called on the company to address the consumer, environmental, and public health issues caused by this deception before it contributes to any further loss of life. She also urged the company to issue a comprehensive recall, execute a robust public awareness campaign, and develop a process through which customers can be compensated for the costs of reduced fuel economy and lower resale values.
“Volkswagen’s deliberate deception of consumers and regulators is inexcusable for a company that many Americans have trusted for decades,” Klobuchar wrote. “I’m particularly troubled in light of a recent analysis conducted by the Associated Press that found that these increased emissions levels may have led to dozens of deaths in the United States. It is critical that Volkswagen take immediate action to address the consumer, environmental, and public health issues caused by this deception before it contributes to any further loss of life.”
Recent reports revealed that Volkswagen willfully deceived regulators and the general public to artificially lower emissions of its 2009-2015 Volkswagen and Audi diesel vehicles. Volkswagen installed a “defeat device” on nearly 500,000 of these vehicles that hid levels of nitrogen oxides as high as 40 times those allowable under U.S. emissions standards. Approximately 482,000 diesel vehicles sold in the United States and 11 million cars worldwide have been affected.
After a call to action from Klobuchar, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced changes to its diesel emissions testing process. In addition, Klobuchar took to the Senate floor to urge the EPA to explain why its emission standards approval process did not detect this deceptive software and call on the agency to establish robust safeguards to prevent automakers from gaming the system again. Klobuchar and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) also sent a letter last week urging the DOJ to take strong civil and criminal actions against Volkswagen for any violations and calling for a “thorough but expeditious” investigation.
The full text of Klobuchar’s letter is available below:
Dear Mr. Geanacopoulos and Mr. Johnson:
I write to you with deep concern about recent revelations that Volkswagen willfully deceived regulators and the general public through the development and installation of a “defeat device” on nearly 500,000 Mod el Year 2009-2015 Volkswagen and Audi diesel passenger vehicles. These devices hid levels of nitrogen oxides as high as 40 times that of allowable U.S. emissions standards. I’m particularly troubled in light of a recent analysis conducted by the Associated Press that found that these increased emissions levels may have led to dozens of deaths in the United States. Volkswagen’s deliberate deception of consumers and regulators is inexcusable for a company that many Americans have trusted for decades.
The actions by Volkswagen to deliberately deceive consumers around the world about emissions levels in their cars is fundamentally about a breach in trust – consumers were duped into thinking they were getting the same product that was being advertised. The impacts of this deception will continue to emerge as more is uncovered about Volkswagen’s actions. It is critical that Volkswagen take immediate action to address the consumer, environmental and public health issues caused by this deception before it contributes to any further loss of life. Refitting vehicles sold with a “defeat device” is a necessary first step, but Volkswagen’s responsibility does not end there.
As was evidenced by the recalls undertaken by General Motors and Takata, attempting a recall that is not broad enough from the outset confuses consumers and jeopardizes safety. That is why Volkswagen must ensure that a recall is comprehensive and covers all affected models and years. As part of this process, it will be crucial that there is a robust public education campaign to ensure all owners of these vehicles are made aware of the defect and are informed about where and when they can go to get their vehicle fixed. Additionally, Volkswagen should develop a process through which customers can be compensated for the costs of reduced fuel economy and lower resale values which may be expected as a result of the emissions testing scandal.
I have fought for strengthening consumer protections and have worked to advance plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions from passenger vehicles, so I look forward to Volkswagen’s response to these concerns and questions.
Sincerely,
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