SACRAMENTO - The Air Resources Board has fined Virginia-based company Smarter Tools Inc. $507,000 for selling illegal generators in California.

In May, 2013, an ARB investigation showed that Smarter Tools, a US-operated business that owns multiple manufacturing facilities in China, had thousands of generators for sale at Costco warehouses which contained small off-road engines that were not certified by ARB.

“Certification protects human health by requiring companies to produce engines that don’t emit excessive air pollutants,” said ARB Enforcement Chief Jim Ryden. “Fortunately, this company acted quickly to remove the units in question and was proactive and cooperative throughout the enforcement process.”  
 
As part of the settlement, signed in January 2014, Smarter Tools agreed to ensure that all engines used in future products will be properly certified and labeled before being sold in California.

All monies collected are paid to the California Air Pollution Control Fund which provides funding for projects and research to improve California’s air quality.