“From the largest locomotives to the smallest lawn mowers, EPA’s current and planned clean air regulations will continue environmental progress, keeping the air cleaner than a generation ago,” said Bill Wehrum, acting assistant administrator for air and radiation.

To meet the new exhaust emission standards, manufacturers are expected to use catalytic converters for the first time ever in many types of small watercraft, lawn, and garden equipment. Following rigorous analysis and extensive work with stakeholders, the EPA has concluded that such a strategy was feasible and safe. This proposed rule also includes the first ever:

• Fuel evaporative standards for all the types of equipment and watercraft covered in the rulemaking.
• National standards for vessels powered by stern drive or inboard engines.
• Carbon monoxide standards for gasoline-powered engines used in recreational watercraft.
• Lawn and garden equipment.
• Gasoline boats and personal watercraft.

Comments are due Aug. 3, 2007.