Information Needed - Marine Engines
DAVIS JONES (JONES.DAVIS@EPAMAIL.EPA.GOV)
Wed Jun 03 19:31:54 1998
While I'm not an expert on the Clean Air Act and its implementing regulations, I do work at the US
EPA and know the agency well enough to help you find an answer. In short, there is a phase out on
the MANUFACTURE of marine engines to reduce their emissions, but not the USE of old engines.
It appears that these regulations will be similar to the current CAFE standards for the auto industry:
the regulations set a corporate average emission standard which allows a company to build some
engines to emission levels lower than the emission standard and some engines to emission levels
higher than the standard, provided the manufacturer's overall corporate average is at or below the
standard.
Boat owners are in no way responsible for making modifications to their current engines to meet the
standards or subject to any penalties as a result of this rule. Boaters can actively participate in
controlling air pollution from these sources, however, by adopting a few simple practices. These
practices include operating only well maintained boats, limiting full throttle operation, eliminating
unnecessary idling, following recommended maintenance schedules, eliminating spillage when
refueling, and properly measuring fuel and oil if required for a particular engine. In addition to
practicing environmentally friendly operating procedures, EPA encourages consumers to do their
part in preventing pollution by purchasing the cleaner technology engines.
EPA anticipates the price of the new technology OB/PWC engines to be slightly higher than the
engines currently offered, but is confident that consumers will see this as affordable when compared
to the performance advantages and improved fuel economy to be enjoyed by the boat owner from
these improved engines.
The implementing regulations were published in the Federal Register on 10/4/96, and can be found
on line at http://www.epa.gov/docs/fedrgstr/EPA-AIR/1996/October/Day-04/pr-23721.pdf or on the
GPO web site at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/aces/aces140.html.
As Sea Explorers, we should do everything in our power to set the example in keeping our water
ways and air clean and healthy for everyone's use and enjoyment, so I'm happy to share this
information. If I sound like I know a lot, I don't. I've just cut and pasted from the following web
sites that provide the details.
http://www.epa.gov/OMSWWW/marin-fs.htm
http://www.epa.gov/orcdizux/marine.htm
http://www.epa.gov/OMSWWW/boat-fs.htm
Davis Jones
Ship 1942 - Arlington, VA
>>> "Martin A. Flynn" <maflynn@worldnet.att.net> 05/31/98 04:53pm >>>
While at a business meeting, I was told that the EPA will be mandating a
phase-out on the sale & use of 2 cycle engines on federally regulated waterways.
Has anyone heard of this "impending" change? I assume that it would end up
in the CFR, but as of yet been unable to locate a word about it.
Martin A. Flynn - CR
M/V SEAHORSE
Sea Scout Ship 243, BSA
Watchung Area Council / NJ
http://www.seascout.net/sea243
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