Now a debate in Congress is adding more smoke to the issue. On one side, state and federal agencies say that mowers need to clean up their act. On the other, engine manufacturer Briggs & Stratton says that adding smog-reducing equipment like those on most cars would raise costs and send U.S. jobs overseas.

Of course, federal rules would apply to imported mowers too. The second argument doesn?EUR??,,????'?????<

Sensible federal rules limiting mower emissions across the U.S. make more sense. Approving them will help clean up the environment?EUR??,,????'?????<

No one likes regulation for regulation?EUR??,,????'?????<

Unfortunately, Sen. Christopher S. Bond, R-Mo., is putting hurdles in front of legislators.

Briggs & Stratton is based in Wisconsin, with factories in Missouri.

Some of Bond?EUR??,,????'?????<

Environmental groups and others, however, say the EPA should create federal standards.

The Environmental Protection Agency is due to write a draft rule by year?EUR??,,????'?????<