New standards for off-road small spark-ignition engines under consideration

Introduction

Environment Canada has released a discussion document to initiate consultations on proposed changes to the Off-Road Small Spark-Ignition Engine Emission Regulations. Interested parties are invited to provide early comments on the proposed changes to these Regulations. These comments will be considered during the development of the proposed amendments.

The Off-Road Small Spark-Ignition Engine Emission Regulations regulate the importation and manufacture of off-road small spark-ignition engines - used in lawn mowers, power washers, portable generators, etc. - in Canada. These Regulations, originally published in 2003, require that engines imported or manufactured in Canada meet specific emission standards. Consistent with the Government of Canada’s policy of alignment with the U.S. on transportation emission standards, Environment Canada intends to propose changes to these Regulations in order to maintain alignment with more stringent Phase 3 U.S. federal standards.

Proposed amendments are intended to be developed for pre-publication in the Canada Gazette, Part I, in early 2013. A formal consultation period will follow, during which, interested parties will have another opportunity to make written comments specific to the proposal.

Please submit any comments on the discussion document by mail or email before September 14, 2012, to:

Josée Lavergne
Manager, Air Pollutant Regulatory Development Section
Transportation Division
Environment Canada
351 St-Joseph Blvd
Gatineau, Quebec
K1A 0H3
josee.lavergne@ec.gc.ca

Sincerely,

Mark Cauchi
Director, Transportation Division
Environmental Stewardship Branch

Related Link

Discussion Document - New standards for off-road small spark-ignition engines under consideration