Emissions ruling no surprise to Briggs
By ERIC WALKER
Editor
An Environmental Protection Agency ruling regarding emission reductions will impact lawnmower producers, but the news came as no surprise to local and corporate Briggs & Stratton officials.
They have been aware of the possibility of such a decision for more than a decade.
“It's been going on since the mid-90s,” said Murray plant manager Rodney Bohannon of the emission issue with small engines. “We've been continuously working on the California Air Resource Board regulations, but now the EPA is recommending that across the nation.
“It's not earth shattering, at least not to our company.”
Environmentalists have claimed that gas-powered lawnmowers are a contributor to summer air pollution. The regulation handed down Thursday requires a 35-percent reduction in emissions from new lawn and garden engines under 25 horsepower beginning in 2011. A 70-percent reduction in emissions is also required for speedboats and other recreational watercraft, beginning in 2010.
“These standards help fight smog in our neighborhoods and waterways as we continue to improve the environmental landscape,” EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson told the Associated Press.
Estimations by the EPA are that 190 million gallons of gasoline will be saved each year when the new rules go into effect.
But the new regulations will come at a cost that consumers may end up seeing. “How much” is the big question before lawnmower and small-engine manufacturers like Briggs & Stratton.
“It will affect all our operations that build engines, just for the fact that we definitely have to find ways to meet those regulations,” Bohannon said. “Cost is key.”
For complete story, see Saturday's Ledger & Times
Story created Sep 05, 2008 - 23:52:25 EDT.
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