Recreational Vehicles and Engines - Snowmobiles, ATVs, Off-Road Motorcycles, Personal Watercraft and Outboard Engines

On December 30, 2006, the Department of the Environment proposed a new regulation entitled Marine Spark-Ignition Engine and Off-Road Recreational Vehicle Emission Regulations (proposed regulations) that would help reduce smog-forming emissions such as volatile organic compounds (VOC), oxides of nitrogen (NO_x) and carbon monoxide (CO). These emission reductions will contribute to improving air quality and the health of Canadians.

This new regulation would apply to marine spark-ignition engines, such as outboard motors and personal watercraft as well as off-road recreational vehicles, such as snowmobiles, off-road motorcycles, all terrain vehicles and utility vehicles.

In Canada, marine spark-ignition engines and off-road recreational vehicles contribute approximately 22% of the volatile organic compounds and 5% of the carbon monoxide attributable to on-road transportation and off-road machines. The proposed maximum allowable emission limits for marine engines and recreational vehicles are up to 96% lower than typical unregulated emission levels.

The engine technology improvements associated with meeting the proposed standards are also expected to reduce fuel consumption and maintenance. By reducing fuel consumption, greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change are also reduced.

The proposed regulation would apply to engines and vehicles that are manufactured on or after January 1, 2008.