Environmental Leader

Beginning in 2011, new gas-powered lawn and garden equipment of less than 25 horsepower will be required to reduce emissions by 35 percent, and all gas-powered recreational boats must reduce emissions by 70 percent in 2010, according to new EPA regulations

The regulation is receiving mixed responses from consumers and manufacturers, Washingtonpost.com reports.

The EPA says the regulation is expected to cost $236 million and will eliminate hundreds of thousands of tons of smog-forming hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxide. It is also anticipated to save 190 million gallons of gas and 300 lives each year.

In order to meet new exhaust emission standards, manufacturers will likely employ catalytic converters for the first time in many small watercraft and lawn and garden equipment.

In three years, the California Air Resources Board estimates the price of lawn mowers will be 18 percent more than today. Retailers and distributors in the boating industry estimate similar increases for boats.

Some small lawn-care businesses say the new regulation will cut into their profits. However, others such as Scott’s Turf Equipment & Supply Store, told Washingtonpost.com that they do not expect sales to decrease. Black and Decker also responded positively towards the regulation. The company says it has benefited from the move towards eco-friendly gardening equipment because all of its lawn and garden equipment runs on electricity.

However, retailers in the boating business aren’t as optimistic and say they could be hurt more than lawn mower companies because they sell an optional leisure product.