Sierra Club Comments On Federal Trade Commission Suit Against Volkswagen for False Advertising on "Clean Diesel" Campaign

WASHINGTON, DC - March 29, 2016: Today, the Federal Trade Commission filed to sue Volkswagen for fraudulent advertising as a result of the diesel engine emissions scandal that came to light six months ago.

The commission is seeking "permanent injunctive relief, rescission, restitution, the refund of monies paid, disgorgement of ill-gotten monies, and other equitable relief," according to the lawsuit, after "consumers suffered billions of dollars in injury."

In response, Sierra Club California Director Kathryn Phillips released the following statement:

"With their fake ‘clean diesel’ campaign, Volkswagen not only put profits before the health of our families and our planet, but through deceitful marketing, ripped off mindful consumers who thought they were purchasing cleaner vehicles. Greenwashing is never okay, but when it puts the health and safety of our families at risk, there must be consequences. The Federal Trade Commission is right for filing this lawsuit."

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About the Sierra Club

The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 2.4 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.