California Air Resources Board

Walmart Inc. Settles Automotive Refrigerant Case For $60,000

In March 2021, Walmart Inc. (Walmart) settled emission-related issues with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) related to the State’s emission program for small containers of automotive refrigerant. These containers use R-134a, a greenhouse gas that has significant global warming potential. Specifically, Walmart sold uncertified refrigerant containers during the 2018 calendar year and also, during the 2020 calendar year, failed to provide customers at several of its retail stores with the required educational information that conveys how to properly use and return purchased containers for recycling. Through the company’s diligence and cooperation with CARB, it quickly corrected these issues at the pertinent stores and implemented new processes to prevent future certification issues.

Half of the total civil fine of $60,000 will be paid to CARB for the Air Pollution Control Fund, while the other half will fund a Supplemental Environmental Project to provide unique air quality instruction and education kits to high school students in Contra Costa County.  

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