LOS ANGELES: US Environmental Protection Agency and CBP announced the results of a 90-day joint operation targeting foreign-made vehicles and equipment imported without proper emission controls in violation of the federal Clean Air Act. More than 730 items, including ATVs, motorcycles and generators, were seized or exported back to their country of origin. EPA estimates that the noncompliant vehicles and engines in its enforcement cases announced today would have emitted over 350,000 pounds of pollutants per year. The announcement was made at a CBP warehouse in Carson, Calif. where a live inspection of new imports was conducted.
“Small engines mean big emissions, so we have to be extra vigilant when allowing their entry into our country,” said Jared Blumenfeld, EPA’s Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest. “This initiative marks a new chapter in our efforts to prevent air pollution from vehicles and engines.”
Under the joint operation between the two agencies, EPA conducted inspections at the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles and worked with CBP to investigate companies that had previously imported engines and vehicles. These inspections found that numerous companies imported vehicles and engines without proper certification. As a result of the joint operation’s success, EPA Region 9 will continue to conduct inspections with CBP at the ports on a monthly basis. Engines operating without proper emission controls can emit excess carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen which can cause respiratory illnesses, aggravate asthma and contribute to the formation of ground level ozone or smog.
“I’m extremely proud of the diligent and professional work of CBP officers and import specialists who, in coordination with EPA inspectors, applied their keen knowledge and expertise to effectively target, identify and hold suspicious shipments during this joint operation,” said Carlos Martel, CBP Port Director of the Los Angeles. “The results are outstanding and only attest the great value added when CBP and EPA join forces in protecting American families and the environment.”
