Fayat Group to Pay $11 Million Over Clean Air Act Violations

Fayat Group to Pay $11 Million Over Clean Air Act Violations

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Imagine this scenario where a construction equipment giant imports sleek, modern machines, but beneath their polished exteriors the engines are churning out emissions from another era. Between 2014 and 2018, Fayat S.A.S. and its nine subsidiaries, including recognizable names like BOMAG and MARINI, introduced hundreds of nonroad machines into the US market with diesel engines that flouted Clean Air Act standards. The result was a lawsuit, an $11 million penalty, and a clear reminder that accountability always prevails.

The Justice Department and Environmental Protection Agency announced this week that Fayat’s actions violated the Clean Air Act’s mobile source emission regulations. And this wasn’t just about paperwork—those outdated engines were pumping excess nitrogen oxides and particulate matter into the air, pollutants linked to respiratory diseases, heart conditions, and a host of other health problems.

“Fayat failed to ensure that the equipment it introduced into the United States market complied with Clean Air Act requirements designed to protect the public’s health from harmful emissions,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim. His message was clear: America’s air isn’t open for shortcuts.

Paying the Price—& Then Some

Fayat’s penalty isn’t just a slap on the wrist. Alongside the $11 million fine, the company is on the hook for a community-focused emissions reduction project. Their choice? A tugboat operating in Mobile, Alabama, will undergo a significant retrofit.

Here’s what that looks like: the tugboat’s old, pollutant-heavy engines and auxiliary generators will be removed and replaced with state-of-the-art, emissions-compliant equipment. Think of it as taking an old, soot-belching diesel truck off the road and replacing it with a hybrid SUV. The goal? Cleaner air and healthier communities.

Let’s not kid ourselves—$11 million is a lot of money, but the real win here is the message it sends. Fayat isn’t just paying for their mistakes; they’re being held accountable in a way that directly benefits the people most affected by their actions.

Acting EPA Assistant Administrator Cecil Rodrigues put it bluntly: “Today’s announcement demonstrates that EPA will hold accountable companies that put outdated equipment into commerce that pollutes the air and risks exposing communities to toxic air pollutants.”

Protecting Health & the Environment

The Clean Air Act is more than just a set of rules, it’s a commitment to cleaner skies and healthier lives. Violations like Fayat’s aren’t victimless crimes—they contribute to environmental degradation and health risks, especially in areas already overburdened by pollution.

But here’s the thing, enforcement works. Since its inception, the Clean Air Act has been a game-changer, cutting air pollution and improving quality of life across the country. Settlements like this one reinforce the idea that no company is above the law—and that protecting the environment isn’t optional.

For Fayat, this settlement marks a turning point. It’s not just about paying up; it’s about making amends and setting a new course. Retrofitting the tugboat in Mobile won’t erase the past, but it’s a tangible step toward cleaner air and a healthier community.

As for the DOJ and EPA, they’ve made it clear that if you’re skirting the rules, you’d better be ready to pay the price—and maybe retrofit a tugboat or two while you’re at it.

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