Volkswagen Multimillion CT Emissions Settlement Reached

Connecticut will receive $14,846,465 as part of a multi-state settlement with Volkswagen over claims that the car manufacturer installed devices to defeat emissions standards.

A total of 10 states are set to receive more than $157 million as part of the settlement. The state's have adopted California's emissions standards.

"Today's action and historic $14.8 million penalty sends a very clear message to all vehicle manufacturers," said state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Rob Klee, "You must meet our state environmental standards and if you deliberately deceive regulators and cheat the public, you will be caught and you will be held accountable."

Nearly all of Connecticut's settlement will go into the state's general fund and a portion will go to assist an environmentally beneficial purpose consistent with the settlement.

"Volkswagen lied to consumers and to regulators by stating that its vehicles were not only fuel efficient but also clean, when in reality they were neither," said Attorney General George Jepsen.

Volkswagen sold more than 570,000 2 and 3-liter diesel vehicles in the United States, including nearly 12,000 in Connecticut that were equipped to defeat emission standards.

Connecticut also previously received more than $16 million as part of a consumer protection settlement.

In addition to Connecticut, other states participating in today's settlement include Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington.

Image via Nick Ut/Associated Press