EPA might use Calif. mower rules nationwide

[IDemo]

Doing so would be 'cost-effective, good for the environment,' official says

AP - Updated: 9:52 a.m. ET June 30, 2006

WASHINGTON - The federal government may use California’s strict pollution rules for lawnmowers and other small-engine machines as a national standard, a top Environmental Protection Agency official said Thursday.

While environmentalists and air quality regulators would welcome the development, it would be bad news for much of the small engine industry. California aims to cut smog emissions from the highly polluting engines by about 35 percent.

Margo Oge, director of EPA’s office of transportation and air quality, said implementing California’s standard nationally could work well, though no final decision has been made.

“We believe harmonizing with California will be cost-effective, good for the environment, good for the industry, good for all the stakeholders,” Oge said after a hearing Thursday on California’s request for an EPA waiver so it can implement the rules.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13630816/from/RS.3/