For Immediate Release

Date: December 1, 2005

EPA and Marine Industries Strive for Environmentally Friendly Boating Equipment

A recent survey indicates that Oregon boaters are ahead of the game when it comes to voluntarily converting their outboard motors to low-emission models. Of the registered boats in Oregon that have outboard motors, 40.6 percent are either low-emission or electric. The Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) has encouraged boaters to upgrade to low-emission engines with the goal of having 75 percent of all outboards labeled low-emission by the year 2010.

Beginning January 1, 2006, marine outboard motor and personal watercraft manufacturers must produce motors that are 75 percent cleaner than they were in 1996. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) working closely with the industry, adopted this change in 1996 to decrease the amount of pollution caused by carbureted two-stroke engines. This rule does not apply to boat owners who currently own a carbureted two-stroke engine, or to the sale of new or used engines. Boat owners will not be required to modify their engines, but newly manufactured engines must meet new standards. The new engines cost approximately 10-20 percent more than the conventional engines, but the cost is balance by reduced fuel consumption, low smoke and the environmental benefits. These new-technology engines create less exhaust, start more easily, accelerate faster, and produce less noise and fumes.

“In the long run, these motors will help provide cleaner waterways for fish, wildlife, and people, and are more efficient for boaters,” said Jyll Smith, Public Information Officer for the OSMB. “Reduced emissions will help keep our waterways clean for future generations.” For more information on the EPA’s low-emission requirement, visit www.boatoregon.com.

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