Oklahoma to receive funds from Mercedes-Benz diesel settlement
State joins nationwide emissions enforcement action
Oklahoma will receive more than a quarter-million dollars as part of a nearly $150 million nationwide settlement with Mercedes-Benz over allegations the automaker violated U.S. diesel emissions laws.
The settlement resolves claims that Mercedes-Benz used software designed to defeat federal diesel emissions testing, allowing certain vehicles to emit illegal levels of pollution while appearing compliant during regulatory testing.
According to The Oklahoman, Oklahoma’s share of the settlement totals $281,240, following a consumer protection lawsuit filed in late December by Gentner Drummond.
Attorney General files suit, reaches rapid agreement
Drummond filed the lawsuit under Oklahoma’s Consumer Protection Act, alleging the automaker engaged in deceptive practices by misleading regulators and consumers about the environmental performance of its diesel vehicles.
Within hours of the filing, Oklahoma and Mercedes-Benz entered into a consent judgment, finalizing the state’s participation in the broader nationwide settlement.
“The deception by Mercedes-Benz was unfair to consumers and violated the law,” Drummond said in a statement. “I will always work to hold accountable companies who defraud and deceive hard-working Oklahomans.”
Part of broader diesel emissions enforcement
The Oklahoma settlement is part of a multi-state and federal enforcement effort targeting diesel emissions violations similar to those uncovered during the Volkswagen diesel scandal nearly a decade ago.
While Mercedes-Benz has not admitted wrongdoing as part of the settlement, the agreement allows states to recover civil penalties and fund environmental mitigation and consumer protection efforts tied to excess pollution.
Nationwide, the settlement approaches $150 million, reflecting penalties and corrective actions negotiated with participating states.
Consumer protection and environmental accountability
State officials say the case underscores Oklahoma’s role in holding multinational corporations accountable for environmental compliance and consumer transparency.
Although Oklahoma’s portion represents a small share of the nationwide total, Drummond’s office emphasized that enforcement actions like this send a message that emissions violations will not be ignored, even when they involve complex software-based misconduct.
The funds recovered by Oklahoma will be directed in accordance with state law, which typically allows penalties obtained under the Consumer Protection Act to support consumer enforcement efforts and related public interests.
Settlement closes Oklahoma’s case
With the consent judgment finalized, Oklahoma’s case against Mercedes-Benz is now closed. The broader settlement resolves claims related to diesel emissions testing practices that regulators said undermined clean air protections and misled vehicle buyers.
SOURCE: The Oklahoman
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