Marine engine
Memorandum of Understanding
The marine engine Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is a
voluntary program between Environment Canada, recreational marine
engine manufacturers and the Canadian Marine Manufacturers
Association to fast track the early introduction of cleaner engines
into Canada pending the coming into force of the new Canadian
Environmental Protection Act (CEPA 1999). Recent amendments to
CEPA include the authority to regulate emissions from vehicles,
engines and equipment. CEPA 1999 will be proclaimed later this
spring.
The current agreement is the culmination of over two years of
discussions between Environment Canada and the outboard marine
engine industry. The agreement covers outboard engines and personal
water craft (PWC).
Under the agreement, engine manufacturers have voluntarily
committed to supply engines in Canada, designed to be certified to
U.S. federal emissions standards, starting in 2001. Companies will
also cover all new 2001 and later model-year engines with an
emissions warranty covering emissions control and emissions-related
components.
The introduction of new generation outboards and personal water
craft are expected to result in:
- reduced air pollution from engine exhaust;
- improved fuel economy and the resultant savings in operating
costs;
- improved engine performance.
Manufacturers participating in this program will be required to
identify their outboard engines/PWC with a label bearing the
wording: "Emissions Control Information". Moreover, the
label will identify the engine as conforming to the United States
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations for marine spark
ignition engines.
Non-road source air pollution has gained prominence as
emissions from the on-road sector, such as passenger cars, have been
aggressively controlled. The "non-road" sector covers a
diverse collection of engine, equipment and vehicles such as outdoor
power equipment, lawn and garden equipment, recreational equipment,
farm equipment and construction equipment.
Emissions from non-road sources now comprise approximately 20% of
mobile source smog inventory estimates. Preliminary estimates
suggest that control of non-road emissions could lead to significant
reductions of smog precursors, particulate, carbon monoxide and
carbon dioxide from this sector.
Recent amendments to the Canadian Environmental Protection
Act, 1999, (CEPA , 1999) include, the authority to regulate
emissions from vehicles, engines and equipment. CEPA 1999 has
received Royal Assent and is expected to be proclaimed in force
later this spring. With the passage of CEPA 1999, the Government of
Canada will have yet another means of reducing emissions and
Canadians will have a clear path forward towards a cleaner,
healthier and safer environment.
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