Apple is no stranger to fines and lawsuits, but the latest is a bit out of left-field. Back in April of 2006, Apple’s Elk Grove facility was using their backup generator for non-emergency use. Not just for a few hours mind you, but almost a whole week. As a result, Jobs & Co. will cough up $43,200 in fines as part of a settlement between Apple and the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District.

A nasty fine for something that’s not really a big deal? Normally I’d say yes, but California is incredibly strict on air/pollution laws, so if you do wrong, better have a checkbook handy.

Apple fined for air quality violation in Elk Grove [Sacramento Business Journal]