German car manufacturer Volkswagen (VW) has won a legal victory after US District Judge Charles Breyer dismissed a lawsuit brought by the state of Wyoming, seeking $1bn in penalties for environmental damages linked to the VW diesel emissions scandal. The judge ruled that Volkswagen's "conduct was not willful and willful" but rather an "unintentional act or omission" which had caused damage to public health and welfare. Judge Breyer ruled states could not hold VW accountable for conduct that had already been sanctioned at a federal level.
German car manufacturer Volkswagen (VW) has won a legal victory after US District Judge Charles Breyer dismissed a lawsuit brought by the state of Wyoming, seeking $1bn in penalties for environmental damages linked to the VW diesel emissions scandal. A spokesperson for the carmaker said the company was pleased by the outcome and would be filing motions for dismissal in similar cases brought by other states, including Illinois, Minnesota and Ohio. Judge Breyer ruled states could not hold VW accountable for conduct that had already been sanctioned at a federal level.