NEWS - BRP Evinrude wants Australian Government to ban 'old' outboard imports

Major outboard motor manufacturer, BRP Evinrude, is calling on the Australian Government to implement regulation to ban the importation of old high-emission outboard engines. 

BRP Evinrude, the manufacturer of E-TEC two-stroke outboards, said the introduction of emission regulation will bring considerable benefits to the Australian public in terms of cleaner air, cleaner water and substantial savings in greenhouse gasses.

According to the company, following lengthy debate on emission standards for outboard engines, the Australian marine industry is divided on when stricter regulation should be introduced to complement the Rudd Government’s carbon footprint reforms.

David Heyes, executive director, BRP Evinrude said: “Evinrude is ready and willing to proceed with the Department of Heritage and Environment to implement regulation as early as 2010 to cease importation of old high-emission technology engines.

“BRP Evinrude invites all other manufacturers to join them in their quest to support their contribution towards a cleaner environment for the community,” he said.

The introduction of regulations will substantially reduce fuel consumption and emissions said Heyes and that old-technology engines are highly polluting for two main reasons.

He explained the first problem is that oil is added to fuel and secondly, because of the design, this allows unburnt fuel and oil to escape with the exhaust.

“Using these engines is like pouring fuel mixed with oil directly into Australia’s waterways. These engines basically create a mini oil spill,” Heyes said.

“BRP is calling on the Federal Minister for the Environment, Peter Garrett and State Environment Ministers to speed up the process of implementing regulation for a better environment for all Australians and our marine environment.

“Most marine engine manufacturers have a full range of 3-star clean technology engines that are available in other markets like Europe and the USA. The sale of old high-polluting engines is now banned in most developed countries, but these continue to be sold in Australia and New Zealand," said Heyes.

BRP Evinrude added the following statements and claims to its argument:

* Call for Regulation to copy the USA EPA 2009 emissions limits and testing procedures;

* The clean technology faction seeks a level playing field where environmental standards for outboards and the marine environment are fair and environmentally responsible;

* Non compliant two-stroke outboard engines are highly polluting;

* Total Industry size: $13.4 billion or about triple the size of the Australian Snow Industry;

* Continued use of these high-polluting engines have an estimated $3.5 billion cost to health (Source: Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts: Cost Benefit Analysis of options to manage emissions from selected non-road engines, August 2008. See http://www.ephc.gov.au/sites/default/files/McLennan%20Magasinik%20Associates%20Preliminary%20Report__CBA%20of%20Options%20to%20Manage%20Emissions%20from%20Selected%20Non-Road%20Engines.pdf);

* Clean engines use 30 to 50 per cent less fuel, less oil and last longer;

* Outboard engines are significant contributors to urban air pollution. They are significant because they are utilised in large numbers and are not subject to the degree of pollution control that exits for engines used in on-road vehicles;

* These high-polluting outboard engines do not comply with international standards e.g. older style outboard engines that do not comply with US EPA 2006 emission limits are likely to emit around 10 times the amount of pollution compared to conforming engines:

* Key markets are USA/Europe where regulation is essentially identical in terms of the limits imposed on hydrocarbon, nitrous oxide and carbon monoxide emissions;

* The net benefits to Australia far outweigh the ineptitude of some industry players to not adopt these proposed changes;

* One single operator in the Great Barrier Reef reduced pollutants going into the water by 22 tonnes per annum by replacing the high-polluting outboard engines;

* The recent Moreton Bay oil spill was 270 tonnes; and,

* Australia urgently needs to ban these high-polluting engines to secure the quality of our water and air for future generations.

For further information contact David Heyes, phone 0418 593 382