EPA Proposes New Boat Engine Rules

Posted by Alan Sorum Apr 18, 2007

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced proposed rulemaking that will tighten emission standards for recreational watercraft engines on 17 April 2007. These regulations were a result of wide-ranging consultation with stakeholders and completion of in-depth research on the subject. Regulations could start to take force by 2009.

According to the EPA, a recreational boat can emit as much pollution as that generated by 348 cars. Regulation goals are to reduce carbon monoxide by 20 percent, hydrocarbons and nitrous oxides by 70 percent, and lower particulates by 6,300 ton per year by 2030. Benefits related to these stringent controls include reductions in premature death, hospitalization, and lost workdays. The agency estimates the regulations will increase the cost of an outboard motor by $280 and $360 for a personal watercraft. The overall cost of the new regulations will partially be offset set by anticipated fuel savings of $360 million a year by 2037.

EPA staff attorney Janea Scotts states that, "While small in size, these engines are big polluters, more than half of the people in our country are living in areas that don't meet basic public health criteria for ozone-smog. The summer-time ozone season looming right around the corner highlights how important it is to clean up these engines as quickly as possible."

The proposed rule includes for the first time items like:

• Establishment of fuel evaporative standards for watercraft
• National emission standards for boats powered by sterndrive or inboard engines
• Carbon monoxide standards for gasoline powered engines used on recreation vessel

One immediate technical solution available to engine manufacturers are catalytic converters. Reducing emissions from recreational boats is one way we can make boating more ecologicaly friendly.

Boaters can view the proposed regulations at the EPA webpage for gasoline powered boats and personal watercraft. A fact sheet describing the regulations is available on-line. The public can comment on the proposed rules up until 3 August 2007. Comments should be identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2004-0008 and can be submitted on-line or by e-mail