Emission regulations for 2015?

Lindsay Grenfell, Executive Officer for the Outboard Engine Distributors Association, which represents both two- and four-stroke engine importers in this country, claims the marine industry is already self-regulating.

"Since 2009, industry sales of two-stroke motors have decreased by 27.7 per cent and four-stroke sales have increased by 23 per cent. Further, the total market differentiation between old and new technology is 32.7 per cent towards new technology!

"In the same period, total industry sales have decreased by 22.4 per cent. Even if the government does nothing, the industry is committed to reducing the old technology outboards over time!" Grenfell told BoatPoint and boatsales.

Meanwhile, Australian Marine Engine Council (AMEC) has applauded the statement from Environment Minister Greg Hunt on April 29 regarding Ministers’ agreement to review environmental regulation, and in particular the call from both Federal and State Environment Ministers for the Department of Environment to complete its impact statement and recommendations on potential emission control options for marine engines by September this year.

Regulations could follow that, perhaps as early as the first half of 2015.

Such regulations will mean no further imports of high-emission outboards. That means no more carburetted and EFI two-stroke outboards with emissions many times the levels of four-stroke outboards and modern direct-injection two-strokes like E-TEC technology.

"AMEC has been committed to cooperate with the Government on practical actions that will achieve tangible results for a healthy environment and clean air. But boaters have nothing to fear. These standards will only apply to new outboards imported after the laws are passed. Nothing they own now will be affected or banned." David Heyes, Chairman of AMEC, said.

Heyes said that the industry can now move forward with confidence: "We have been living with uncertainly since the authorities updated the Australian Boat Building standards for heavier four strokes in 2009. I’m glad now we can move forward with certainty."

The Government and Industry began work on emissions standards in 2006. Public Consultation was held in 2010, but since then, the final report has stalled. The fact that this report has been called by the Ministers, led by Greg Hunt, for by September 2014 is an important progress.

"The shape of the regulations we foresee is pretty clear," according to AMEC Industry Analyst, Gary Fooks. "Since 2006 AMEC has worked to ensure that a balanced approach to reflect the USA EPA standard is applied. This is not only the world’s best standard, but governs the biggest market for outboards, which means more and better choices for Australian consumers."

Small-engine emissions standards are not just focused on the marine industry. Off-road engines from lawn mowers to petrol generators will also have to meet the new standards.