Self-certification under scrutiny: Experts fault EPA system, disagree on solution

摘要

The Volkswagen diesel scandal has exposed holes in the U.S. emissions testing regime, prompting regulators to launch new tests to check for possible VW-style cheating at other automakers. It's also prompting a second look at the principle of self-certification, the streamlined system by which automakers and regulators work to ensure compliance with federal clean-air laws. Experts say VW's malfeasance underscores the risks associated with this trust-but-verify approach to emissions regulation, though they disagree on the solution.