Story perspectives

Justice Department Shifts Emissions Violations to Civil Offenses

1/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Justice Department ordered prosecutors to halt criminal charges tied to illicit defeat devices used to tamper with diesel emissions.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche issued a memo asserting these violations should be civil offenses.
The move drew critics and supporters, reflecting a clash over environmental enforcement since U.S. President Donald Trump took office in January 2025.
It could affect over a dozen pending cases and investigations.

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Story summary

The Justice Department ordered prosecutors to halt criminal charges tied to illicit defeat devices used to tamper with diesel emissions.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche issued a memo asserting these violations should be civil offenses.
The move drew critics and supporters, reflecting a clash over environmental enforcement since U.S. President Donald Trump took office in January 2025.
It could affect over a dozen pending cases and investigations.