Yes vw lied about their diesel emissions but still the amount of vw TDI cars in the world is miniscule in comparison to other emissions sources including all of the leaking natural gas wells and military vehicles that do not have to conform to any emissions standards. No to mention more particulates from vehicles come from brake pads and tire wear wayyyyy more than any diesel particulates. The clean diesel laws are just one of those EPA reactions meant to fool the public into thinking they’re actually doing something about the inevitable ecological collapse.
Vw diesels have been without the DEF particulate filters until it became a (stupid) emissions law. Its really just a scam to require you to buy diesel exhaust fluid and put more money into maintenance when the filter eventually gets clogged. Meanwhile Americans are still tuning their diesel truck to blow black smoke and we no longer have small fuel efficient cars that get 50mpg.