Maine Attorney General Janet Mills said her office has opened an investigation into the disclosure by Volkswagen that some of its diesel vehicles carried software designed to produce false emissions test results, violating clear air regulations and deceiving consumers. The Maine Office of the Attorney General is cooperating with other state attorneys general and the federal government in an investigation.

Attorney General Mills said, in a news release: "Maine is proud to carry forward the environmental legacy of Senator Ed Muskie and the critical role he played in securing passage of the Clean Air Act. By increasing pollutants in the air we breathe, VW is putting at risk the health of Maine people and our environment. Consumers also have a right to believe the information they are provided by manufacturers is truthful. The charges that VW has, or attempted to, circumvent emissions standards by manipulating software in the car is a very serious charge and Maine will work with other states and the federal government to ensure this is appropriately investigated."

In Maine, vehicles registered in Cumberland County are required to pass an annual emissions test. For a list of affected models and model years, as well as information for owners of affected vehicles, check the EPA website, www3.epa.gov/otaq/cert/violations.htm

Those with concerns about their diesel vehicles should contact the Maine Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division at, 1-800-436-2131, or by e-mail: consumer.mediation@maine.gov .