California ARB fines Volvo $197 million for air pollution violations

On May 18, 2026, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) announced that Volvo has agreed to pay the state nearly $197 million as a settlement for alleged violations of emissions and certification requirements for some of its vehicles that were sold in California.  

Generic Heavy Duty Trucks Photo, Credit: CARB

The settlement  consists of approximately $18 million in penalties and costs, $71 million towards mitigation of the air quality harm caused by the violations, and an additional $108 million toward emission reduction projects throughout the state.

The settlement was the result of Volvo using undisclosed auxiliary emission control devices (AECD) that violated state requirements. These devices were used in approximately 10,000 Volvo diesel engines for model years 2010 through 2016. CARB alleged that the AECDs were not adequately disclosed during the required emission certification process, a major violation of California's heavy-duty engine regulations.

As a result, these engines emitted more smog forming nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions than allowed by law.

Also, as part of the settlement, Volvo agreed to recall, repair, and extend warranties to address the non-compliant AECDs for model year 2014 through 2016 diesel engines.

Said CARB Chair Lauren Sanchez, “This case underscores why CARB's compliance testing and strong enforcement are essential to protecting the state's air quality and public health. Our responsibility goes beyond adopting regulations — we are committed to upholding them by identifying violations and holding companies accountable for meeting emissions standards.” 

For more information: Volvo Settlement FAQs

Historic reductions in San Joaquin Valley Ag emissions noted by air agencies

A proclamation applauding the efforts of San Joaquin Valley farmers in cooperation with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (District), the National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to reduce agricultural air emissions throughout the Valley was issued today by representatives of all four agencies. 

Photo Credit: CARB

Through several different incentive programs, the Valley ag industry turned over and destroyed more than 12,800 pieces of older, high polluting agricultural equipment, including old tractors and other equipment, resulting in the reduction of over 11 tons per day of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. NOx emissions are a key component of photochemical smog formation.

The reductions achieved are the equivalent of removing 1.5 million cars off of California roads.

According to Martha Guzman, USEPA's Regional Administrator for Region 9, “Emissions from agricultural equipment are the largest source of nitrogen oxide in the Valley and will require continued innovation and strategies for reducing air pollution – including via the $10 million grant for a low-dust nut harvester that we are announcing today.”

“The District applauds the leadership of local and state legislators, as well as Valley farmers in recognizing the public health and climate benefits provided throughout California from clean air investments,” stated Samir Sheikh, Executive Director/Air Pollution Control Officer for the Valley Air District. “The San Joaquin Valley agricultural sector feeds the world and coordinated multi-agency efforts like this must continue to support farmers’ ongoing transition to sustainable and air-friendly practices.”

 

For more information: Valley Agricultural Leads Nation in efforts to Improve Air Quality