Augusta - On Tuesday, November 14, a public meeting will be held regarding Maine?s share of the court settlements that order Volkswagen to fund actions that reduce NOx emissions to improve air quality and provide health benefits based on their installation of defeat devices on 2.0 and 3.0 liter vehicles sold in the United States.
These actions will be carried out by ?beneficiaries?, consisting of each state, Puerto Rico, Washington DC, and Native American tribes. Each beneficiary?s settlement amount is determined by the number of registered vehicles identified as having defeat devices. Maine?s allocation totals just over $21 million dollars.
Although MaineDOT has been designated as the lead agency for fund distribution, it is working closely with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection and the Governor?s Energy Office. Staff from these agencies will be at the public meeting to discuss the proposed distribution of the settlement funds. There are strict rules about how and when this money can be spent, especially related to eligibility. Also to be discussed will be the process and proposed timeline.
Details of the meeting are as follows:
November 14, 2017 ? University of New EnglandWCHP Lecture Hall, Proctor Hall716 Stevens Avenue, Portland6 P.M. ? 8 P.M.
For additional information on Maine?s portion of the Volkswagen settlement, please visit: maine.gov or contact Judy Gates at (207) 624-3097.