VW Settlement Agreement

Updated October 28, 2024

In 2016 and 2017, the U.S. Department of Justice and the Volkswagen (VW) Corporation finalized a partial consent decree. This decree concerned the installation and use of emissions testing defeat devices in 2.0-liter and 3.0-liter diesel engine vehicles. 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 the trustee to administer the settlement funds and requirements of the Environmental Mitigation Trust Agreement. OPB, DNR’s Environmental Protection Division, and the State Road and Tollway Authority developed a spending plan for eligible mitigation actions. 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. Wilmington Trust, N.A. maintains a website with state beneficiary information and reporting requirements of Georgia. Additional information on the court case is available. To provide feedback, please email the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget at [email protected].

Environmental Mitigation Trust Website