Makers of mowers and other outdoor power equipment are working to meet tougher clean-air standards from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Industry-wide, manufacturers are now addressing stricter emissions standards that are now being phased in for gasoline and diesel-powered mowers.
The current standards include U.S. EPA Tier 4 for diesel and U.S. EPA Phase 2 for gasoline.
What does the future hold for future environmental regulations? Could more regulations be put in place? "There's nothing at the present time, but possibly additional reductions in emissions could be implemented," said Bill Harley, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI).
The 74 member-companies of the OPEI are working to find the most efficient fuel mixes for their products. The OPEI, a trade group based in Alexandria, Va., represents the $15 billion landscape, forestry, utility and lawn and garden equipment manufacturing industry.