France could permanently ban the sale of diesel vehicles

The French government is gathering data on the “dieselgate” scandal and is considering permanently maintaining the sales ban on diesel vehicles. The French environment minister has also criticized Trump for his emissions policy.

French lawmakers do not seem to have any problem wielding the hammer when it comes to polluting vehicles. The city of Paris began by implementing a ban on older vehicles. Additionally, French Prime Minister Manuel Valls said in 2014 that diesel cars were a mistake and that his government would gradually correct the error. Now, the French national government has said it will not lift the prohibition currently held by the brands Renault and Volkswagen on the sale of diesel vehicles, at least until those companies provide convincing data on the emissions of their vehicles.

Last week, Environment Minister Ségolène Royal said that France wants more information about the emissions-cheating device of Volkswagen and the engine software of Renault.

“We will ask fraud investigators and prosecutors to report any findings that allow us to determine whether or not it is necessary to authorize the sale of diesel vehicles from Volkswagen and Renault.”

Ségolène Royal also attended the climate change conference recently held in Marrakech. During the event, she stated that Donald Trump’s environmental policies are “absolutely catastrophic” and that they weaken the reputation of the US in the world.

“If the United States does not want to lead the care of our planet, China may take its place,” the environment minister said.