Engines on landscape power equipment like trimmers and brush cutters will soon have to comply with strict emission regulations. Manufacturers are working quickly to research and create equipment that will satisfy the California Air Resources Board.

The California Air Resources Board recently gave manufacturers a one-year reprieve from Tier II regulations that require sharp reductions in emissions from gasoline-powered leaf blowers, trimmers and other hand-held lawn and garden equipment. The off-road small engine regulations were to go into effect next year. Instead the start date will be January 1, 2000.

Members of the Portable Power Equipment Manufacturers Association testified at the ARB hearing that the regulations, far more stringent than Phase 2 standards planned by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, were so tough that they will have the practical effect of restricting the sale of most two-cycle gas-powered engines. PPEMA asked for a phase-in through 2003 of less stringent regulations.

However, several other manufacturers testified they could live with the regulations and even opposed easing them by extending the compliance deadline. They pointed out that they have spent millions of dollars on research to comply with the board's plans, which have been known for several years, and that they either have, or will have, machines on the market that comply. These manufacturers argued they should be allowed to reap the benefits of their research efforts.

California Landscape Contractors Association Director of Governmental Affairs Larry Rohlfes testified at the hearing on the importance on portable power equipment for the landscape industry. The board decided to extend the deadline into the new millenium.