ARB settles with Redding Petroleum over illegal diesel fuel sales

10 July 1998

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) today announced a $132,500 settlement with Redding Petroleum, Inc., of Concord, suspected of selling over 1.3 million gallons of non-complying diesel fuel.

Redding was purchasing fuel that was legal in California only for sources such as generators, boilers and other non-vehicular industrial engines. Redding continued to sell the non-complying diesel fuel for 11 months after the 1 October 1993 effective date for cleaner burning, low sulfur diesel fuel, required statewide to reduce emissions from diesel powered vehicles.

State air quality officials were alerted to the firm's business practices by Redding's competitors who were selling the cleaner, but more expensive CARB diesel. Redding may have been selling the cheaper, dirtier fuel and labeling it as "CARB diesel," indicating to customers that it was acceptable for motor vehicle use.

Following the Air Resources Board's investigation, Contra Costa County District Attorney Gary T. Yancey filed a civil suit in 1997, resulting in the $132,500 settlement.

Contact: Jerry Martin, (916) 322-2990
Source: California ARB