10 U.S. States Object to EPA Reducing Harley-Davidson Emissions Penalty

"WASHINGTON - Ten U.S. states and the District of Columbia said Thursday they are challenging a decision by the Trump administration to drop a requirement that Harley-Davidson Inc (HOG.N) spend $3 million to reduce air pollution under settlement the Obama administration announced.

In 2016, the Milwaukee-based motorcycle manufacturer agreed to pay a $12 million civil fine and stop selling illegal after-market devices that caused its vehicles to emit too much pollution, and spend about $3 million to retrofit or replace wood-burning appliances with cleaner stoves.

The Justice Department in July cited a new policy by U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions and an ongoing review of the penalty by a government auditor in proposing to drop the $3 million penalty from the settlement. Reuters first reported the planned reduction."

David Shepardson reports for Reuters February 1, 2018.