May 14, 2007—The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently proposed strict standards for nonroad equipment with small (below 25 horsepower) gasoline engines, including most landscaping/garden equipment, lawnmowers, utility vehicles, generators, and a variety of other construction and industrial equipment.
EPA says the proposal is groundbreaking in several areas. To meet the new exhaust emission standards, manufacturers are expected to use catalytic converters for the first time ever in many types of lawn and garden equipment. The proposed rule also includes the first-ever fuel evaporative standards for these types of equipment.
According to EPA, a push mower emits as much hourly pollution as 11 cars and a riding mower emits as much as 34 cars. With this proposed rule, nonroad gasoline-powered engines, would see an additional 35 percent reduction in HC and NOx emissions beyond a 60 percent reduction that finished phasing in last year under an earlier rulemaking. Those engines would also see a 45 percent reduction in fuel evaporative emissions.
The new standards would apply as early as 2011 for most lawn and garden equipment. EPA is seeking comments, due August 3, 2007, on the proposed standards. For more information visit EPA.
