Environmental Organizations Urge Action on Dieselgate Cars to Reduce Pollution

What's Happening?

Several environmental organizations, including Transport & Environment (T&E), UNEP, ETSC, CMC, and OPUS RSE, are advocating for European lawmakers to address the ongoing impact of the Dieselgate scandal. This scandal, which emerged a decade ago, involved automakers cheating on vehicle emissions tests, resulting in millions of cars emitting pollution far above legal limits. These organizations are calling for systematic fleet screenings, roadside inspections based on real-world emissions, and mandatory fixes or scrappage of high-emitting cars at the manufacturers' expense. They also urge the EU to strengthen safety checks and halt the export of high-polluting and unsafe used vehicles to other regions.

Why It's Important?

The Dieselgate scandal has had significant environmental and health impacts, with vehicles involved in the scandal polluting up to ten times above legal limits. This has contributed to air pollution and premature deaths, with 40% of Dieselgate-related premature deaths still projected to occur. The organizations' call to action is crucial in mitigating these effects and preventing further harm. By removing these high-emitting vehicles from the roads, the EU can reduce air pollution and improve public health. Additionally, stopping the export of these vehicles to less wealthy regions prevents the transfer of pollution and safety risks to other countries.

What's Next?

The organizations are urging European lawmakers to revise the 'roadworthiness package' to address the legacy of Dieselgate. This includes implementing yearly technical inspections for vehicles over ten years old and ensuring that only vehicles meeting minimum emission and safety standards are exported. The success of these measures depends on the willingness of European lawmakers to adopt these recommendations and enforce stricter regulations on vehicle emissions and exports.

Beyond the Headlines

The Dieselgate scandal highlights the ethical and legal challenges in the automotive industry regarding emissions testing and environmental responsibility. The ongoing impact of the scandal underscores the need for transparency and accountability in corporate practices. Furthermore, the push for cleaner vehicles aligns with global efforts to transition to electric transport, offering a long-term solution to reduce fossil fuel dependency and environmental harm.