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EMISSION STANDARDS RE-PROPOSED FOR LAWN AND GARDEN EQUIPMENT
Release Date: 07/01/99
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FOR RELEASE: THURSDAY, JULY 1, 1999
EMISSION STANDARDS RE-PROPOSED FOR LAWN AND GARDEN EQUIPMENT
EPA is re-proposing emission reduction standards for small handheld engines used in trimmers, brush cutters and chainsaws. When finalized, the new standards, Phase 2, would reduce hydrocarbons plus nitrogen oxides by an additional 78 percent beyond the current Phase 1 program. Small spark ignition engines produce about a tenth of mobile source hydrocarbon emissions and are the largest single contributor to non-road hydrocarbons. Since the original proposal of the Phase 2 standards in January 1998, there have been rapid advances in emission control technologies for handheld engines. EPA received information regarding new technologies which it was unable to fully evaluate during the 1998 rulemaking process. Having completed the review, the agency believes the information supports the re-proposed Phase 2 emission reduction standards which are considerably more stringent than those proposed in 1998. In addition, the re-proposed compliance program requirements are similar to those recently adopted by California in that they ensure engines continue to comply with the standards through their useful life. The agency believes emission reductions would provide significant air quality benefits nationwide. Most of the equipment is used during hot summer months when ozone levels are high. Ozone irritates the respiratory tract causing lung inflamation and also aggravates existing respiratory conditions such as asthma. The re-proposed rule includes provisions that would give industry flexibility and ease the transition to the Phase 2 program, especially for small volume engine and equipment manufacturers. The re-proposal also includes an averaging, banking, and trading program to provide engine manufacturers additional flexibility in meeting the Phase 2 standards. The new standards would be phased in between 2002 and 2008 model year. The Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking will appear in the Federal Register soon. For more information, see: https://www.epa.gov/omswww
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