Manufacturers of motor vehicles and off-road products face a challenging and evolving regulatory environment. Van Ness Feldman is an industry leader representing automobile and light-duty truck manufacturers, manufacturers of engines for heavy-duty trucks and off-road equipment, and manufacturers of recreational marine and small off-road equipment on issues related to tailpipe emission controls and fuel economy/greenhouse gas limitations before the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board.
The firm excels at providing counsel regarding legislative and regulatory development and advice regarding compliance matters (e.g., defect reports, recalls, and EPA and CARB enforcement actions). In addition, Van Ness Feldman works with manufacturers of these vehicles and engines regarding emerging policies related to fuel specifications and programs to promote and/or mandate the use of certain technologies. The firm also has considerable experience with the permitting and environmental control requirements associated with facilities that manufacture these products.
Van Ness Feldman also conducts internal investigations and compliance audits for motor vehicle manufacturers and other companies to evaluate potential non-compliant conduct and to evaluate potential remedial actions to limit enforcement risks. The firm also defends companies in enforcement actions taken by the Department of Justice, EPA, CARB, or other state agencies.