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Marine Catalytic Converters to be Put to the Test |
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Chicago, IL - NMMA announced today that the Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board have agreed to conduct a salt water test program to determine the technical and economical feasibility of using catalytic converters to reduce hydrocarbon and oxides of nitrogen (HC&NOX) emissions from marine engines.
In 2000, CARB finalized a rule requiring catalytic converters to be installed on all inboard and stern drive marine engines sold in California starting in 2007 (with a phase-in period running through 2009) to reduce HC&NOX emissions to below five grams per kilowatt hour. The rule included a resolution that catalyst be tested in a vessel in both fresh and salt water prior to implementing the rule. CARB had recently reneged on its commitment to test catalyst in salt water, prompting NMMA members to mount a lobbying campaign to oppose the CARB rule until salt water testing is completed.
“Many of the requirements in the Rule such as the level of on board diagnostics, requiring catalyst on engines greater than 500 hp, and the implementation date were not feasible. We believe that testing will demonstrate the problems associated with the rule and provide the industry an opportunity to resolve these issues.” says NMMA Environmental & Safety Compliance director John McKnight.
Specifically, while CARB is requiring a three-year phase-in period, industry sees major problems with this approach and has proposed a 100-percent compliance in a designated year. A phase-in period would mean that CARB compliant and non-CARB-compliant engines would be sold in the same year. Engine manufacturers would not be able to police the sale of each type of engine, yet would be held accountable if a non-compliant engine was sold on a new boat.
“The greatest impact EPA’s funding has on the industry is that it brings everyone to the table. We now have oversight on this process to ensure at the end of testing that we an move forward with a viable rule that is technically and economically feasible for the industry, and meets the environmental goals of both the EPA and CARB,” says McKnight.
NMMA vice president of Government Relations Monita Fontaine credits the great lobbying efforts of the association’s members for getting the EPA to fund the testing program.
“NMMA and its members presented their strong case for the need for saltwater testing before regulation to members of Congress and regulators. This is a classic example of how well-informed lobbying of officials makes a difference to the bottom lines of marine manufacturers and the safety of the boating public,” says Fontaine.
NMMA and its members will continue their lobbying efforts for the marine industry at the American Boating Congress, the industry’s largest annual legislative conference, being held May 1-3 at the Loews L’Enfant Plaza hotel in Washington, D.C. For information, visit www.nmma.org/abc.
For information on the testing program, contact McKnight at (202) 737-9757;
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