GM to pay $145.8 million for excess emissions

General Motors (GM) has been fined $145.8 million by U.S. regulators after a years-long investigation found that the automaker’s vehicles from certain models emitted about 10 percent more carbon dioxide than previously known.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced Wednesday that GM has agreed to forfeit 50 million metric tons of previously claimed carbon allowances, following an investigation that found that vehicles from model years 2012 through 2018 emitted about 10% more carbon emissions than reported in compliance reports (via Automotive News).

In a separate statement, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the $145.8 million fine GM will pay for failing to properly report fuel economy compliance data. In addition, the regulator canceled 30.6 million fuel economy credits GM issued for 2008-2010 vehicles to address compliance issues found by the EPA.

“(GM) has consistently complied with and complied with all applicable laws and regulations in the certification and in-use testing of the subject vehicles,” the automaker said. Automotive News in a statement. “This is the best course of action to quickly resolve the outstanding issues with the federal government regarding this matter.”

The EPA also said it has no plans to recall the affected GM vehicles, which include about 4.6 million full-size pickups and SUVs, as well as about 1.3 million midsize SUVs, each segment from the 2012 through 2018 model years.

“EPA’s vehicle standards depend on rigorous oversight to ensure real-world public health benefits,” said Michael Regan. “Our investigation provided accountability and support for an important program that reduces air pollution and protects communities across the country.”

The news comes as GM celebrated record electric vehicle (EV) sales in the second quarter of the year and the automaker continues to invest in its electric vehicle program. In April, the automaker raised its 2024 financial guidance, saying it plans to spend $11.5 billion, up from $10.5 billion, much of which includes the company’s EV battery cell manufacturing efforts.

What do you think? Let me know at zach@teslarati.comfind me on X at @zacharyviscontior send us tips at advice@teslarati.com.