Congressional Hearing on Volkswagen Emissions Cheating Allegations
January 1, 2016
Track this bill to get notified when it advances a stage. One tap to stop, anytime.
The Frame
The hearing initiated federal oversight into Volkswagen's use of 's' in vehicles, which directly impacted the regulatory compliance of millions of cars and the legal obligations of the manufacturer to the EPA and consumers.
Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.
Volkswagen Group of America
The company was the subject of a federal investigation regarding its emissions compliance and software practices.
Environmental Protection Agency
The agency was responsible for investigating the emissions cheating allegations and providing testimony to Congress.
Vehicle Owners
Owners of affected Volkswagen vehicles were impacted by the emissions compliance issues and potential vehicle recalls.
Last recorded activity January 1, 2016.
Next step not available in the current record.
Summary
Key Facts
- The hearing took place on October 8, 2015, before the House Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.
- The primary subject was the allegation that Volkswagen used software to cheat on vehicle emissions tests.
- Michael Horn (CEO, Volkswagen Group of America) provided testimony and written answers to committee questions.
- Christopher Grundler and Phillip Brooks represented the EPA and provided a joint written statement.
- The committee entered several documents into the record, including letters from the EPA and the California Air Resources Board to Volkswagen dated September 18, 2015.
- The record includes public comments from Vermont residents regarding the emissions allegations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of this hearing?
Who testified at the hearing?
Why It Matters
The hearing initiated federal oversight into Volkswagen's use of 's' in vehicles, which directly impacted the regulatory compliance of millions of cars and the legal obligations of the manufacturer to the EPA and consumers.
News Coverage
Sponsors
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Increased Scrutiny on Emissions Testing
The hearing highlights a transition toward more aggressive federal oversight of automotive emissions software following the discovery of defeat devices.
Connected Entities
Sources
www.govinfo.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance90How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy85Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment60Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz40Current news / social attention level
Publisher tools