COMPANY IS ALLEGED TO HAVE MADE FALSE STATEMENTS TO THE EPA
According to a press release issued by the United States Department of Justice, SMC Systems, d/b/a Skyetec, has agreed to pay $2.35 million to resolve allegations that it violated federal law -- the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989 (FIRREA). [Link to settlement documents below.]
Apparently, the company was misstating the result of inspections it was performing under the EPA’s Energy Star Program – “a voluntary public-private partnership to identify and promote energy-efficient products and buildings, to reduce energy consumption, to improve energy security and to reduce pollution through labeling of, or other communication about, products and buildings that meet the highest energy conservation standards.”
The EPA relies on rating providers, like Skyetec, “to ensure that all homes certified as Energy Star meet all Energy Star requirements.” But the company is said to have misrepresented that certain inspections occurred.
In a written statement, said U.S. Attorney Handberg for the Middle District of Florida, noted that, “The strength and integrity of the Energy Star program depends on accurate information provided by those who inspect and certify homes as energy efficient …. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to ensuring integrity in that process for both home buyers and financial institutions that assist borrowers in financing their homes, as well as holding accountable those who falsely certify Energy Star homes.”
No star for them.