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California To Conduct Its Own Probe Into Volkswagen Diesel Emissions

SACRAMENTO (CBS/AP) -- California is dropping out of a multistate investigation to conduct its own probe into Volkswagen's admission that it rigged diesel emissions technology to pass U.S. smog tests.

An official with the state's Department of Justice said Thursday that California is no longer participating in the investigation by more than two dozen attorneys general.

The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the ongoing investigation, said reasons for the decision to go it alone include California having the nation's strongest environmental laws.

The person would not say if subpoenas have been issued or are planned.

California and federal regulators uncovered evidence that forced Volkswagen to admit it skirted clean air rules by rigging emissions tests for about 500,000 diesel vehicles sold in the U.S.

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