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— Harry Talks Today! (@HarryDouglas) May 19, 2014

A tale of two fines by the federal government.

EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy just tweeted out this brag on how much the government was able to fine and collect from Hyundia/Kia over allegations the South Korean automaker provided erroneous emissions data to the public:

The WSJ reports that the actual fine, however, amounts to $300 million once the emissions credits are accounted for:

Korean auto makers Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Motors Corp. agreed to pay a combined penalty of $300 million for overstating fuel-economy claims, the largest such punishment ever, in a settlement that could create a pricey precedent for other car companies.

Hyundai and Kia, affiliates of Hyundai Motor Group, will pay a combined $100 million in civil fines and forfeit regulatory credits valued at $200 million to settle a two-year long probe by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Justice Department, the agencies said.

That’s a big fine. But how does it compare to what the government was able to collect from General Motors for GM’s delay in reporting a faulty ignition switch issue that’s been linked to “at least 13 deaths“?

The “maximum” fine for GM was $35 million, but Hyundai and Kia were just fined $300 million?

How in the world do the government justify this discrepancy?

Related:

‘People died, truth was hidden’: Fox Business’ Charles Payne calls $35 million fine for GM ‘bogus’

‘They’re #1!’ Bin Laden is dead — and GM’s getting closer to joining him

‘Another day, another GM recall’: GM reaches unfortunate milestone for 2014

Read more: http://twitchy.com/2014/11/03/hyundaikia-fined-300m-for-violating-clean-air-act-but-gm-fined-only-35m-over-ignition-switch-deaths/