United States President Donald Trump has granted presidential pardons to nine mechanics and tuners specializing in diesel engines who had been convicted of violating the Clean Air Act.
According to a report by Car and Driver, they were prosecuted for removing or disabling emissions control systems on trucks and for selling devices capable of bypassing environmental regulations.
When announcing the decision, Trump said the convicted individuals were merely “fixing cars” and criticized the way the previous administration enforced environmental legislation. According to him, the cases represented regulatory overreach against small business owners and specialized repair shops.
The convictions involved the installation of equipment known as defeat devices, which alter the operation of pollution control systems, allowing engines to emit pollution levels above legal limits. These modifications are prohibited under United States environmental law.
The pardons are part of a broader shift in the Trump administration’s environmental policy. In recent days, the administration has also adopted measures to loosen the enforcement of rules related to diesel vehicle repairs and has advocated a review of federal emissions regulations.
The decision was criticized by environmental protection advocates, who warned about the increase in pollution caused by the removal of emissions control systems.
Representatives of the automotive sector and the movement known as the “right to repair,” however, welcomed the measure, arguing that it reduces government interference in repair shops and vehicle owners.
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