Tecumseh Teams with Regulators on Emissions

Tecumseh Products Company, along with representatives of other manufacturers and industry trade associations, is working with the California Air Resources Board (C.A.R.B.) on a proposal to meet regulations for further reductions in small engine emissions.

The green industry engine manufacturer and other organizations have agreed to meet C.A.R.B.’s tonnage reductions for small engine emissions. Tecumseh believes this industry program, although strict, can be achieved.

An industry-backed proposal would include requirements to limit evaporative emissions beginning in 2005. It would require changes to fuel lines and gas tanks and possibly the addition of exhaust catalysts. In addition to these changes, engine manufacturers would have to perform more extensive testing. Product design changes, usage of new materials and mandated testing would generate cost increases to the industry, and prices would be impacted.

The industry has also proposed stricter exhaust emissions regulations for California, which would take effect in 2007 for engines with a displacement under 225cc and in 2008 for engines with a displacement over 225cc.

In the mid 1990s, small engine manufacturers were required to reduce emissions by up to 70 percent. Tecumseh led the industry in developing cost effective LEAP (Low Emissions Advanced Performance) technology that has allowed the company’s engines to meet current California requirements at reasonable cost.  Now the company predicts the industry will need to develop additional technology to meet the next levels of regulation.