News and Updates 

Volkswagen Diesel Emissions Mitigation

In 2015 Volkswagen was cited by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board for violating emissions standards by selling diesel vehicles equipped with "defeat devices." These devices allowed the cars to pass federal emissions tests, but during actual driving conditions they emitted significantly more air pollutants than allowed by the Clean Air Act. The federal government sued the company, and in 2016 VW settled the cases for $14.7 billion. 

As part of the settlement, $2.8 billion was set aside for states and Tribes to fund diesel emission mitigation projects. Federally recognized Tribes received $55 million to replace old, polluting diesel vehicles or equipment with newer cleaner models. By court order the Volkswagen diesel Emissions Environmental Mitigation Trust for Indian Tribes was established. 

The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation (CTCR) became a beneficiary of the trust in 2019.  This entitled CTCR to access funds to replace older qualifying vehicles with new models at no cost.  CTCR’s 2019 allocation of funds totaled $304,991. 

Important Documents

Full Modified Trust Agreement for Indian Tribe Beneficiaries. The court ordered agreement that sets all the procedures, timelines and funds allocations. PDF

Appendix D-3: Trust Agreement for Indian tribe Beneficiaries Eligible Mitigation Actions.  This is a detailed list of vehicle class and eligibility for replacement or repower. PDF

Second Funding Cycle: Notice Of The Results Of the Per Capita Allocation And The Pro-Rata Population-Based Allocation. PDF

Second Funding Cycle Procedural Fact Sheet, provided by the Institute of Tribal Environmental Professionals. PDF