California Announces 15-Day Notice for Sterndrive Inboard Catalyst Rule

California Announces 15-Day Notice for Sterndrive Inboard Catalyst Rule

Rule includes low permeation fuel hose requirements for boatbuilders

CHICAGO, August 16, 2006 – The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has issued a 15-day notice for its sterndrive inboard catalyst rulemaking, allowing the public opportunity to comment on the proposal until August 28. The August 10th announcement for Spark Ignited (gas) Sterndrive rulemaking, once implemented, will set exhaust emission standards requiring after-treatment on engines affected by the rule. The nation’s largest recreational marine manufacturing trade association, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), has provided extensive comment throughout the rulemaking process.

The CARB rulemaking is being finalized during the same time period as an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and CARB-funded salt water engine catalyst test program is being conducted by Southwest Research Institute. The CARB rule, as proposed, will go into effect unless the institute’s test program indicates safety or durability issues with sterndrive inboard catalyst engines when operated in salt water.

In addition to emission requirements for engine manufacturers, this rulemaking also requires boatbuilders that choose Option 2—to install 100-percent catalyst in 2008, as opposed to selecting Option 1, which calls for a phase-in of catalyst beginning in 2007—will be required to install a low permeation fuel hose (15 g/m2) between the fuel tank and engine to offset emissions. There is no CARB reporting requirement; however, it is the engine manufacturer's responsibility to notify boatbuilders of the hose requirement, and the boatbuilder's responsibility to insure vessels are equipped with low permeation fuel hoses. Failure to do so could result in possible enforcement action.

This 15-day notice will be the final opportunity to comment within the formal rulemaking process before the August 28 deadline. You can view the proposed rule by visiting the website, www.arb.ca.gov/regact/boatregs/boatregs.htm

National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the leading association representing the recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers in the United States. The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy, market research and data, product quality assurance and marketing communications.

Source: National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA)