Apparently, Manitowoc thinks clean air is optional—at least for them.
Why bother with pesky things like emissions certifications when you can just slap an engine into a crane and call it a day? After all, what’s a little air pollution compared to corporate profits?
Manitowoc (Evil Corporation)
The Manitowoc Company, Inc., a global crane manufacturer, has recently come under fire for severe violations of the Clean Air Act (CAA). Together with its subsidiaries, Grove U.S. L.L.C. and Manitowoc Crane Group Germany GmbH, the company has been accused of manufacturing and selling cranes equipped with uncertified engines that fail to meet federal emissions standards.
While these regulatory breaches may seem like abstract infractions on paper, their real-world consequences are devastating, particularly for the health of communities, workers, and the environment.
A Blatant Disregard for Public Safety
Manitowoc’s violations include introducing over 1,000 uncertified engines into U.S. commerce.
These engines were not covered by EPA-required certificates of conformity and failed to meet emissions standards designed to limit harmful pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM).
Among the most egregious infractions:
- Uncertified Motor Vehicle Engines: The company sold 59 truck cranes with engines that did not meet greenhouse gas (GHG) certification requirements.
- Nonroad Equipment Violations: Over 392 nonroad truck cranes were equipped with uncertified motor vehicle engines.
- Stockpiling Non-Compliant Engines: Manitowoc stockpiled engines that failed to meet Tier 4 emissions standards, allowing them to sell at least 498 cranes with outdated, polluting engines.
- Labeling Failures: Cranes lacked critical fuel inlet labels or military-exempt labels, further violating federal regulations.
These violations are not mere technical oversights—they represent a deliberate strategy to cut costs at the expense of compliance and public welfare.
The Human Toll
The introduction of uncertified engines into commerce directly contributes to increased emissions of NOx and PM—pollutants linked to serious health issues. The effects are particularly pronounced in marginalized communities near industrial hubs or transportation corridors where these cranes are deployed.
Respiratory Illnesses
NOx emissions contribute to ground-level ozone (smog), which exacerbates asthma and other respiratory diseases. Children and elderly individuals are especially vulnerable. For families living near ports or construction sites where Manitowoc’s cranes operate, the risk of chronic lung conditions skyrockets.
Cardiovascular Diseases
Particulate matter from diesel engines is a known trigger for heart attacks and strokes. Long-term exposure can lead to premature death. Communities already grappling with limited access to healthcare bear the brunt of these impacts.
Economic Strain on Public Health Systems
Increased hospitalizations due to pollution-related illnesses place a heavy burden on local healthcare systems. Public funds are diverted to treat preventable conditions caused by corporate negligence, leaving less for other critical services.
A Legacy of Irreversible Environmental Harm
Manitowoc’s actions also have profound environmental consequences. By circumventing Tier 4 emissions standards—designed to reduce air pollution from nonroad engines—the company has delayed critical progress in combating climate change and improving air quality.
Air Pollution
Each uncertified engine emits significantly more NOx and PM than compliant alternatives. These pollutants contribute not only to smog but also to acid rain, which damages ecosystems and agricultural productivity.
Climate Change
Greenhouse gas emissions from Manitowoc’s non-compliant engines exacerbate global warming.
The company’s failure to adhere to GHG certification requirements undermines international efforts to curb climate change.
Ecosystem Damage
Pollutants from diesel engines settle into soil and water bodies, disrupting ecosystems.
Wildlife suffers as habitats are degraded by toxins that accumulate over time.
The Economic Cost of Corporate Irresponsibility
While Manitowoc may have profited from cutting corners on compliance, the economic costs borne by society far outweigh any short-term gains.
Such as….
Burden on Local Economies
Pollution diminishes property values in affected areas, discourages investment, and drives away residents seeking healthier environments.
Local governments face increased expenses for environmental remediation and public health interventions.
Job Insecurity
Manitowoc’s disregard for regulations jeopardizes its reputation and long-term viability.
Workers in the crane manufacturing industry face uncertainty as customers lose trust in the company’s products.
Fines vs. Accountability
Although Manitowoc faces civil penalties totaling $42.6 million under a proposed consent decree, such fines often pale in comparison to the profits generated by non-compliance. For corporations like Manitowoc, penalties become a mere cost of doing business rather than a deterrent against future violations.
Corporate Greed at the Expense of Public Welfare
Manitowoc’s actions epitomize the dangers of neoliberal capitalism—a system where shareholder profits take precedence over ethical responsibilities.
By prioritizing cost-cutting measures over compliance with environmental laws, the company has demonstrated a blatant disregard for public welfare.
This behavior is not unique to Manitowoc but reflects a broader trend among corporations operating in industries with significant environmental impacts.
Without robust enforcement mechanisms and harsher penalties, companies will continue exploiting regulatory loopholes to maximize profits at society’s expense.
The Role of Government Regulation
Manitowoc’s case underscores the critical importance of government oversight in holding corporations accountable. However, regulatory agencies often lack the resources needed to effectively monitor compliance or pursue legal action against well-funded corporations.
Strengthening Enforcement
To prevent future violations:
- Penalties must be severe enough to outweigh potential profits from non-compliance.
- Agencies like the EPA require greater funding and staffing to investigate violations thoroughly.
- Whistleblower protections should be enhanced to encourage reporting of corporate misconduct.
Public Pressure
Grassroots movements can amplify calls for accountability by organizing affected communities and demanding transparency from corporations like Manitowoc. Consumer advocacy groups play a vital role in exposing unethical practices and pushing for systemic change.
A Call for Corporate Accountability
The damages caused by Manitowoc extend far beyond regulatory breaches—they represent a betrayal of public trust and an assault on human health and environmental integrity.
As communities grapple with the fallout from increased pollution and economic instability, it is clear that voluntary corporate social responsibility initiatives are insufficient without meaningful accountability mechanisms.
To address these challenges:
- Consumers must demand greater transparency about environmental practices.
- Investors should prioritize sustainability when making financial decisions.
- Governments must enact stricter regulations with harsher penalties for violators.
Ultimately, corporations like Manitowoc must recognize that their long-term success depends on operating ethically and sustainably.
The alternative—a future where profit trumps all other considerations—is untenable for society as a whole.
To Conclude
Manitowoc’s actions serve as another reminder of the human cost of corporate greed.
By flouting environmental regulations designed to protect public health, the company has endangered lives, exacerbated climate change, and undermined trust in regulatory systems.
As we confront the twin crises of environmental degradation and economic inequality, holding corporations accountable is more urgent than ever.
Only through collective action—by governments, consumers, workers, and advocacy groups—can we ensure that companies like Manitowoc prioritize people over profits and contribute meaningfully to societal well-being.
Manitowoc’s HQ’s phone number is (1) 414 760 4600
The Manitowoc HQ is located at 11270 West Park Place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin