EPA finalizes new emission control program

New standards to take effect in 2010 model year

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a new emission control program to reduce hydrocarbon, nitrogen oxide, and carbon monoxide emissions from marine spark-ignition engines.

According to the EPA, the new exhaust emissions standards will take effect in the 2010 model year. The final rule also includes new standards to reduce evaporative emissions from these fuel systems.

“These standards will reduce the harmful health effects of ozone and carbon monoxide from these engines,” the EPA says in a release.

The EPA is adopting these new standards for a variety engines, including  spark-ignition engines used in personal watercraft.

The reason for the new emission control program, according to the EPA, is that the engines covered by this rule are significant sources of air pollution. EPA data says these engines account for about 26% of mobile source VOC emissions and 23% of mobile source carbon monoxide emissions. With the new controls, the EPA says VOC pollutants will be reduced by 70% for Marine spark-ignition engines by 2030.

“The new standards continue the process of establishing nonroad standards as required by the Clean Air Act,” the EPA says in a release. “We completed the Nonroad Engine and Vehicle Emission Study in 1991, and in 1994 determined that these sources contribute significantly to ozone or CO nonattainment. We have already set emission standards for most nonroad engines, including farm and construction equipment, locomotives, commercial marine, and recreational vehicles.

“We are adopting a more stringent level of emission standards for outboard and personal watercraft engines starting with the 2010 model year.”

For more information, visit the official EPA website.