Merrick B. Garland, Attorney General | https://www.justice.gov/
Merrick B. Garland, Attorney General | https://www.justice.gov/
The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Breon Peace, and Lisa Garcia, Regional Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 2, have announced a civil complaint against Spectrum Wholesale, Inc., based in Long Island, and its principal Thomas J. Ciccarelli. The federal court case filed in Central Islip accuses the defendants of illegally selling products designed to disable vehicle emissions controls required by the Clean Air Act.
The legal action seeks a court ruling that confirms these sales are violations of the Clean Air Act. It also requests an injunction to prevent further violations and civil penalties for each infraction.
“These sales have put the public health and the environment at risk by defeating critical vehicle emission controls on hundreds of vehicles,” said United States Attorney Peace. “My Office will continue to rigorously enforce the Clean Air Act against those who degrade the public health and environment to make a fast dollar.”
Lisa Garcia from EPA emphasized that “the increased air pollution resulting from these devices threatens the health of everyone, especially those with pre-existing health conditions, children and older adults.” She stated that "to protect public health," EPA is taking measures against such devices to ensure compliance with emission standards.
The Clean Air Act prohibits selling or offering parts that bypass motor vehicle emission controls. The complaint claims that between October 18, 2019, and September 2, 2020, Spectrum Wholesale sold approximately 672 aftermarket defeat devices primarily online. These devices allow vehicles to evade emissions regulations, contributing significantly to air pollution and posing risks to public health.
Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Silverman is handling this lawsuit alongside EPA's Assistant Regional Counsels Cassandra Basile and Erick Ihlenburg.
In June 2021, an Environmental Justice Team was established within the Civil Division of the United States Attorney’s Office for Eastern District of New York. This team focuses on protecting residents disproportionately affected by environmental hazards.
Spectrum Wholesale Inc. is located in Oakdale, Long Island along with Thomas J. Ciccarelli.
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