Trump pardons Clean Air Act violators, says they were jailed for ‘fixing their car’
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump announced Friday, July 3, that he had signed pardons for several people convicted in federal vehicle emissions cases, arguing they had been unfairly prosecuted for “fixing their car.”
Trump described the prosecutions as politically motivated and accused the Biden administration of “weaponization and stupidity.” The White House later confirmed the pardons, which involve individuals convicted of violating the Clean Air Act by tampering with vehicle emissions controls.
Trump says defendants were wrongly prosecuted
In a post on Truth Social, Trump argued that the defendants should never have faced prison sentences over the vehicle modifications. “It is my Great Honor to have just signed Pardons for six people who were persecuted by the Biden Administration, and were in, or being sent to, prison, for ‘fixing their car,’” Trump wrote.
“While I know this sounds ridiculous, it is nevertheless a fact, and part of the Weaponization and Stupidity that our Country had to endure during four long years of Sleepy Joe Biden,” he continued. “I am setting them all free, right now!"
Although Trump initially referred to six pardons, the White House later confirmed that a total of 10 individuals had received clemency. Alongside Ryan Lalone, Wade Lalone, Matt Geouge, Tim Clancy and Mac Spurlock, the administration identified Joshua Davis, Barry Pierce, Aaron Rudolf, Adam Kidan and Jack Harvard among those pardoned.
According to CBS News, attorney Stewart Cables and lobbyist Jeff Daugherty, who represented five of the defendants, said they were informed directly by the White House. Daugherty welcomed the decision, saying, “Thanks to God for putting it on Trump's heart to approve these pardons, and thank God for Donald Trump.”
He added that Trump “is the only president who would have taken an interest in these parties, and the reason is he's the only president to face such ferocious weaponization himself.” The defendants had been prosecuted for tampering with air pollution control equipment in vehicles, conduct that violates the federal Clean Air Act.
Pardons follow Justice Department policy shift
The pardons come after the Justice Department earlier this year instructed federal prosecutors to dismiss pending criminal investigations and prosecutions involving aftermarket “defeat devices,” which disable or bypass emissions control systems.
The Clean Air Act regulates air emissions from both stationary and mobile sources and establishes federal standards designed to improve air quality. Criminal prosecutions have previously been brought against individuals accused of intentionally removing or disabling federally required emissions equipment on vehicles.
Trump had also granted clemency last year to Wyoming mechanic Troy Lake, who served seven months in prison after being convicted of disabling emissions-control equipment on diesel engines.
Friday's clemency announcement also comes as the administration continues reshaping federal environmental policy. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin has previously announced 31 deregulatory actions since Trump's return to office, including proposals affecting emissions standards and other environmental regulations.
