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Environmental Groups Sue France Over Dieselgate Aftermath

9/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Environmental groups are suing the French government for not addressing illegal defeat devices in diesel cars, nearly a decade after the Dieselgate scandal.
France Nature Environnement (FNE), CLCV, and ClientEarth filed the case in the Paris Administrative Court.
Millions of diesel cars emit toxic gases above legal limits, causing 16,000 premature deaths and €101 billion in costs since 2009.
The NGOs seek immediate investigations, recalls, and a €50 million penalty every six months for non-compliance.
Minimal testing and recalls have occurred since 2020, and a ruling against the government may inspire similar actions in Europe.

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Story summary

Environmental groups are suing the French government for not addressing illegal defeat devices in diesel cars, nearly a decade after the Dieselgate scandal.
France Nature Environnement (FNE), CLCV, and ClientEarth filed the case in the Paris Administrative Court.
Millions of diesel cars emit toxic gases above legal limits, causing 16,000 premature deaths and €101 billion in costs since 2009.
The NGOs seek immediate investigations, recalls, and a €50 million penalty every six months for non-compliance.
Minimal testing and recalls have occurred since 2020, and a ruling against the government may inspire similar actions in Europe.