This man is Scott J. Peterson. He is the CEO and President of Summit Racing Equipment:
His email is President@SummitRacing.com.
On Sept. 2022, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) sounded the alarm on Summit Racing Equipment, whose sale of over 2,000 defeat devices has contributed to one of the largest emissions violations in recent history. The company’s actions have polluted air across the United States, contributing to a dangerous rise in smog and ground-level ozone, with long-term consequences for both human health and the environment.
In total, Scott Peterson’s company sold or offered for sale 2,390 aftermarket parts known as “delete pipes” for diesel trucks. These devices are designed to circumvent federally mandated emissions controls such as diesel particulate filters (DPF), exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems, and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) units. Essentially, these pipes allowed diesel engines to emit unchecked amounts of particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and other dangerous pollutants. According to the EPA’s findings, each sale or offer to sell such a part represents a violation of the Clean Air Act, resulting in potential penalties that could have totaled in the millions. Instead, Summit Racing agreed to settle for a civil penalty of $600,000.
The EPA made it clear that the scale of the damage caused by Summit’s misconduct transcended the sale of a few vehicle parts. The agency’s investigation showed that the company knowingly contributed to an uptick in pollutants that exacerbate respiratory illnesses, contribute to heart disease, and degrade overall air quality. The fact that Summit Racing Equipment is a key supplier in the automotive world makes this violation especially egregious, as their widespread customer base stretches across the entire United States.
One can only imagine the real-world implications of the company’s actions. Diesel engines equipped with emission control systems are designed to limit hazardous outputs, with features like diesel particulate filters capable of trapping soot before it’s released into the atmosphere. By selling parts that disable these safety nets, Summit Racing facilitated the release of thousands of tons of particulate matter. These fine particles are particularly harmful because they can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, posing severe risks to vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions like asthma.
Communities situated near highways or urban centers were disproportionately affected by the increase in emissions. These areas, already burdened by higher-than-average pollution levels, experienced even greater exposure to toxins due to the widespread use of these defeat devices. For individuals with compromised immune systems or respiratory conditions, the effects could be devastating. Several studies have shown a clear link between air pollution and spikes in hospitalization rates for respiratory issues, with a corresponding increase in premature deaths.
Beyond the immediate health implications, the social and economic costs for affected regions are monumental. With the addition of these pollutants into the atmosphere, medical costs for treating pollution-related illnesses are expected to rise sharply. Asthma attacks, chronic bronchitis, and even lung cancer could be the tragic legacy of Summit Racing’s disregard for regulatory compliance. Local businesses may also suffer as residents face increased medical bills and lost workdays, shrinking disposable incomes and economic activity.
The environmental damage, meanwhile, is harder to quantify but just as concerning. The pollutants in question, such as nitrogen oxides, are significant contributors to the formation of ground-level ozone, a key component of smog. Smog not only reduces visibility but also stunts plant growth and contributes to climate change. These cascading effects may well haunt ecosystems for decades, with the long-term degradation of air and soil quality potentially undermining efforts to combat the ongoing climate crisis.
Summit Racing Equipment is located at 1200 Southeast Ave, Tallmadge, OH 44278 and their phone number is (800) 230-3030.
They have an Instagram account, LinkedIn page, and Facebook page.