The settlement agreement in this matter resolves an administrative enforcement action for causing the importation of 7,115 uncertified recreational vehicles in violation of the Clean Air Act (CAA) and related recordkeeping violations.
Chongqing Longting Power Equipment Co., Ltd., Longting USA, LLC, Loncin (USA) Inc. (Loncin), and their various affiliates (collectively, the Respondents) manufacture recreational vehicles and engines. Based in California, Longting USA, LLC and Loncin hold the Certificates of Conformity (COCs) necessary to import recreational vehicles into the U.S. In 2008, Chongqing Longting Power Equipment Co., Ltd. alone ranked as the ninth largest Chinese manufacturer of recreational vehicles imported into the U.S. (the total value of goods imported was roughly $3 million).
After discovering that MotorScience, Inc.Âa certification services consulting firm submitted false and incomplete information to obtain COCs for some of its clients, including Loncin, EPA voided the COCs held by the companies. These certificates permitted the importation and sale of a total of more than 24,000 non-compliant recreational vehicles in the U.S., of which more than 7,115 were imported under certificates held by Loncin and its affiliates.
Engines that are not certified may be operating without proper emissions controls, which can emit excess carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides and cause respiratory illnesses, aggravate asthma and contribute to the formation of gro