Walmart, Bumble and Bumble and 17 other companies have been fined by the California Air Resources Board for air pollution violations. Bumble and Bumble received the highest penalty of $88,000 followed by Walmart at $34,000 out of a total of $233,175 of fines.
The 19 companies were involved in the manufacturing or selling of consumer products - ranging from nail polish removers and bathroom cleaners to charcoal lighter materials and air fresheners - which exceeded California’s standards for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), gases that contribute to ozone formation once released into the air. The violations amounted to over 11 tons of excess VOC emissions.
“Consumers unknowingly contribute to ozone formation when they purchase non-compliant items, which is why companies must sell products that adhere to ARB regulations that help protect air quality,” said ARB Enforcement Chief James Ryden.
The other companies fined are Stoner, Alterna, Adoro & Triple Image, Dave X Labs, Lundmark Wax, Strength of Nature, PLZ Aeroscience, Turtle Wax, Solo Fragrances, C&S Wholesale, K Hall Studio, Unelko, Permatex (ITW), Sullivan & Sprayway, Un-du Products, Sorbie Distributing and Aquiesse.
The fines collected went to the California Air Pollution Control Fund to support air quality projects and research to improve California’s air quality.
Earlier this year, ARB fined Ford Motor Company $2.96 million for violations of air-quality laws related to the sale of vehicles with non-compliant On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) systems in California. Routine testing by ARB found that Ford Fiesta vehicles (2011 and 2012 model years) were sold in California with non-compliant diagnostic systems and improperly designed data link connectors. The Board also fined Chevron and Southwest Gas close to $1 million for late or inaccurate reporting of their greenhouse gas emissions for 2011 .
Get the latest insights, trends, and innovations to help position yourself at the forefront of sustainable business leadership—delivered straight to your inbox.
Published Jul 1, 2014 5pm EDT / 2pm PDT / 10pm BST / 11pm CEST