In its unyielding pursuit of cleaner air and stringent adherence to air quality standards, CARB, or California Air Resources Board, took action against American Honda Motor Corp., Inc. (Honda), a prominent automaker headquartered in Torrance—the charge: violations of CARB’s small off-road engine (SORE) air quality regulations.

It sn’t Honda’s first brush with CARB’s regulatory authority. This is the third enforcement action taken against the automaker in just four years, underscoring the gravity of the situation. The repercussions of this latest action reverberate through the automotive industry, highlighting the complexities and challenges manufacturers like Honda face in meeting ever-evolving emissions standards.

Inland Empire Gets $2.2M for Air Improvement Projects

Inland Empire is one of the areas directly affected by SORE emissions. The Inland Empire will receive support for environmental health and education projects through the allocated SEP funds. This emphasizes the local relevance of addressing SORE emissions and the importance of improving communities’ air quality.

The Carbon Canister Controversy

In 2021, CARB conducted tests that revealed several SORE families, primarily small generator engines, failed to meet the carbon canister capacity requirements outlined in CARB’s evaporative emission standards and SORE regulations.

The carbon canister absorbs excess gasoline vapors from the fuel tank, reducing harmful emissions. To address this issue, Honda requested and received a variance, permitting the sale of these units on the condition that they met specific criteria specified in the contention. Unfortunately, Honda failed to meet these terms, leading to the revocation of the conflict. As a result, all units sold under the clash were rendered non-compliant with California regulations, making them illegal.

Balancing Regulation and Industry

CARB’s $7.9 million settlement with Honda underscores the commitment to enforcing air quality regulations in California. While this action signifies a substantial step in the right direction for cleaner air, it also highlights the challenges manufacturers like Honda face in meeting evolving emissions standards.

The Inland Empire’s inclusion in the SEP funding demonstrates that these regulatory actions have a tangible local impact. As California continues its pursuit of cleaner air, it remains essential for both regulators and manufacturers to find a balance between compliance and industry demands, ultimately working together to protect the environment and public health.

Wrap up

CARB’s $7.9 million settlement with Honda underscores the commitment to enforcing air quality regulations in California. While this action signifies a substantial step in the right direction for cleaner air, it also highlights the challenges manufacturers like Honda face in meeting evolving emissions standards.

The Inland Empire’s inclusion in the SEP funding demonstrates that these regulatory actions have a tangible local impact. As California continues its pursuit of cleaner air, it remains essential for both regulators and manufacturers to find a balance between compliance and industry demands, ultimately working together to protect the environment and public health.