The California Air Resources Board (ARB) announced recently that Husqvarna Professional Products has agreed to a fine of $1,038,000 for violations of air quality laws related to the sale of uncertified small off-road engines in California. An ARB investigation discovered that over a period of three model years, spanning from 2011 to 2013, Husqvarna Professional Products staff failed to obtain certification for nine different small off-road engine families prior to their sale in California. These engines powered thousands of hand-held consumer power products such as line trimmers, leaf blowers and chain saws.

In announcing the settlement, ARB enforcement Chief James Ryden noted that "Husqvarna promptly conducted an internal investigation and fully cooperated in the resolution of this matter," but added that "violations of the basic elements of California’s anti-pollution requirements, especially certification of engines prior to sale in our state, have serious consequences."

Husqvarna fully cooperated with ARB in the investigation and resolution of this matter. Based on the information learned in its internal investigation, Husqvarna has implemented new administration procedures related to emissions certification and has improved management oversight of the process. These actions help ensure that all future engines are fully compliant with certification requirements prior to being offered for sale in California. 

California law requires manufacturers to certify compliance of all new products prior to sale because engines that do not meet emissions standards pose a real health danger to California residents. They create higher amounts of smog-forming pollutants, which can exacerbate respiratory ailments and negatively affect other health conditions.

Funds collected will be paid to the California Air Pollution Control Fund, established to decrease air pollution through education and the advancement and use of cleaner technologies.

ARB's mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy. The ARB oversees all air pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain health based air quality standards.