OPEI announced that the EPA will issue Phase 3 emission standards for new non-road spark ignition engines later this month that will further reduce emissions and include some key requests from OPEI.

EPA to Issue New Round of Emission Requirements for Non-Road Engines

The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) announced that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will issue Phase 3 emission standards for new non-road* spark ignition engines later this month that will further reduce emissions and include some key requests from OPEI.

Following the 1990 amendments to the federal Clean Air Act, EPA began Phase 1 of its program to regulate outdoor power equipment emissions which became effective in 1997, followed by Phase 2 in 2002 and culminating in this year’s Phase 3 regulations. Once fully implemented, the outdoor power equipment industry will have reduced emissions by 95 percent in just 15 years since it first became regulated.

“Although challenging, we believe the new exhaust emission standards are fair and achievable,” said Kris Kiser, Vice President, Public Affairs, Outdoor Power Equipment Institute.  “OPEI members will meet or exceed the new standards.”

The new EPA Phase 3 Regulations include the following provisions:

An additional 35 percent reduction in exhaust emissions and a 45 percent reduction in total evaporative emissions beginning in 2009 and fully implemented by 2015.
Stronger EPA enforcement authority to prevent importation and retail of non-compliant equipment, with safeguards to assure equal compliance for U.S. and off-shore manufacturers.
Ability to certify engines on E10 fuel, ensuring products can operate more efficiently using fuels currently in the marketplace.

 

“By attaining a 95 percent reduction in emissions within 15 years, and with scientific studies confirming a carbon benefit for responsibly maintained turfgrass, OPEI is proud of the industry’s track record in environmental stewardship and developing cleaner technologies,” said Kiser.

*Products with non-road spark ignition engines include lawnmowers, garden tractors, utility vehicles, trimmers, edgers, chain saws, snow throwers, tillers, leaf blowers and other related products.