EPA tightens lawn mower, motor boat emission rules

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Exhaust-spewing lawn mowers and speed boats will get a green make-over under tough new rules from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency designed to reduce smog and save millions of gallons of gasoline.

Gas-powered engines in lawn and garden equipment will be required to cut smog-forming emissions by 35 percent, while engines in personal watercraft will have to cut smog-forming emissions by 70 percent and reduce carbon monoxide emissions by 20 percent.

“These standards help fight smog in our neighborhoods and waterways as we continue to improve the environmental landscape,” said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson.

It’s the EPA’s latest step to reduce emissions from nonroad sources. The agency previously set new standards for farm and construction equipment, recreational vehicles, locomotives and commercial marine craft.

Reuters