VW Settlement Agreement

Updated October 28, 2024

In 2016 and 2017, the U.S. Department of Justice and the Volkswagen (VW) Corporation and its subsidiaries finalized a partial consent decree on the installation and use of emissions testing defeat devices in 2.0-liter and 3.0-liter diesel engine vehicles sold and operated in the United States. The use of these defeat devices increased NOx emissions, adversely impacted air quality, and violated the federal Clean Air Act. Georgia’s share from the two settlements totals $63,624,725.

An Environmental Mitigation Trust (Trust) was established as part of the VW Settlement Agreement to fund eligible mitigation actions. Wilmington Trust, N.A. was appointed as the trustee for the settlement funds to administer the funds and requirements of the Environmental Mitigation Trust Agreement. The Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget has worked closely with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Environmental Protection Division and the State Road and Tollway Authority to develop a spending plan that meets mitigation actions eligible for funding from the Trust. An updated spending plan was submitted to the trustee for the remainder of the state's settlement allocation in October 2024.

The EPA maintains a website with additional VW settlement information here. Wilmington Trust, N.A. maintains a website with state beneficiary information and reporting requirements of Georgia. Additional information on the court case can be found here. To provide feedback, please email the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget at [email protected]. 

Environmental Mitigation Trust Website