Gordon W. Lindamood, Emissions Tampering, Delaware 2023

Wilmington, DE – Gordon W. Lindamood has been sentenced to three years of probation for illegally tampering with diesel truck emissions systems, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced this week. Lindamood operated a scheme from his Delaware home, modifying vehicle software to allow trucks to bypass federally mandated emission controls.

The case centers around the Clean Air Act and the sophisticated onboard diagnostic (OBD) systems installed in modern diesel trucks. These systems are designed to monitor the performance of emission control devices – such as particulate filters and catalytic converters – and alert drivers when malfunctions occur. When these devices are removed, the OBD is designed to render the vehicle inoperable, ensuring compliance with air quality standards.

Lindamood circumvented this safety feature by offering custom-altered software “tunes.” These tunes effectively disabled the OBD’s ability to detect the absence of emission control devices, allowing truck owners to operate vehicles that were actively polluting at higher rates. Authorities believe Lindamood sold these illegal tunes to customers across the United States, effectively enabling widespread violations of federal environmental law.

The EPA’s investigation revealed that Lindamood specifically targeted diesel trucks where owners had already removed factory-installed emission control equipment. By providing the modified software, he facilitated the continued operation of these vehicles in a manner that directly contradicted the intent of the Clean Air Act. The practice not only impacts air quality but also gives an unfair economic advantage to those willing to skirt environmental regulations.

Table of Contents

Toggle

Legal Ramifications

Lindamood violated 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(2)(C) of the Clean Air Act, which prohibits the tampering with emission control devices. As a result of his actions, he was sentenced to three years of probation, ordered to complete 100 hours of community service, and assessed a total of $34,100 in fines and penalties – a $34,000 fine plus a $100 special assessment.

Key Facts

Defendant: Gordon W. Lindamood
Location: Delaware
Crime: Tampering with diesel truck emissions systems
Method: Created and sold custom software “tunes” to disable onboard diagnostic systems
Statute Violated: 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(2)(C) – Clean Air Act
Sentence: 3 years probation, 100 hours community service, $34,100 in fines and assessments
Scope: Sold tunes to customers nationwide

The EPA continues to prioritize enforcement of the Clean Air Act, particularly concerning diesel emissions, due to the significant health and environmental impacts of air pollution. This case serves as a warning to others attempting to profit from circumventing environmental regulations, and the agency vows to aggressively pursue similar violations in the future.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

Related Federal Cases