The removal of emissions control devices from vehicles, particularly diesel trucks, is a practice that circumvents federal environmental regulations. This modification, often referred to as “deletion,” involves disabling or removing components like diesel particulate filters (DPFs), catalytic converters, and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems. These systems are designed to reduce harmful pollutants released into the atmosphere. An example of such an action would be physically removing the DPF from a diesel truck and reprogramming the engine control unit to disregard its absence.
Maintaining functional emissions control systems is crucial for air quality and public health. These systems significantly reduce the release of particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and other harmful pollutants that contribute to respiratory problems, smog, and other environmental issues. Historically, the rise in diesel engine use prompted regulations mandating these systems to mitigate the associated pollution, leading to the development and implementation of increasingly sophisticated emissions control technology in vehicles.
