Key facts
- President Donald Trump has pardoned Troy Lake, who was convicted of conspiring to violate the Clean Air Act by disabling pollution control monitors on hundreds of diesel trucks.
- Lake's company, Elite Diesel Service, was also pardoned in February.
- Lobbyists Jeff Daugherty and Stewart Cables are advocating for more individuals convicted of Clean Air Act violations to receive clemency.
- These advocates argue that many defendants were unaware their actions constituted a felony and were trying to help truck owners with repair costs.
- The campaign intersects with political debates about the "weaponization" of the federal government and air pollution policy.
- Trump has issued pardons at a high rate, with a significant portion not meeting traditional Justice Department guidelines.
President Donald Trump has issued pardons to individuals convicted under the Clean Air Act, sparking a movement among others facing similar charges to seek clemency. Troy Lake, a mechanic and small business owner, received a presidential pardon after being sentenced to over a year in prison for disabling pollution control monitors on hundreds of diesel trucks. This action has emboldened others, including Ryan LaLone, who was convicted for deleting emissions control software from heavy-duty trucks.
Lobbyists Jeff Daugherty and attorney Stewart Cables are leading the charge, arguing that many defendants were unaware their actions were criminal and were primarily trying to assist truck owners struggling with repair costs and downtime. They contend that these individuals are not intentionally harming the environment, with LaLone noting his own family drives an electric vehicle. This campaign intersects with political narratives concerning the alleged "weaponization" of federal agencies and environmental policy.
Trump's administration has been noted for its frequent use of pardons, with a significant percentage of recent clemency grants not adhering to traditional Justice Department guidelines. Daugherty, who handled Lake's case pro bono and charges discounted rates for others, has reported earning at least $50,000 from his pardon advocacy. The White House has stated the President is interested in providing second chances to deserving candidates, particularly those perceived as "persecuted" by previous administrations.
Lake's pardon was facilitated through connections, including former EPA officials and a U.S. Senator, leading to an appointment with a deputy White House counsel. Trump himself has recounted Lake's case, framing it as a pardon for fixing a tractor or truck. The trend suggests more clemency could be forthcoming, potentially including additional Clean Air Act convicts, as Trump reportedly considers a large number of pardons.