New federal regulations will mean your next lawn mower will run cleaner

OTTAWA—The Government of Canada wants to establish more stringent Canadian emissions standards to reduce smog-forming air pollutants from common household tools, such as lawn mowers, snow blowers and chainsaws, starting with 2018 model years.

The Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, announced proposed amendments to the Off-Road Small Spark-Ignition Engine Emission Regulations to improve air quality and protect Canadians’ health.

“The Government of Canada is taking actions to improve air quality in Canada. These proposed changes will greatly reduce emissions that contribute to smog, acid rain, and human health issues including asthma,” said McKenna.

The proposed amendments would only apply to the manufacture and import of new products into Canada. Canadians can continue to use equipment that they already own.

The government says the new regulations would lead to approximately 20,000 fewer tonnes of NOX and 58,000 fewer tonnes of VOCs emitted from these engines, which power tools such as:

• Lawn and garden machines, such as hedge trimmers, brush cutters, lawn mowers, garden tractors, and snow blowers
• Light-duty industrial machines, such as mobile generator sets, welders and pressure washers
• Light-duty logging machines, such as chainsaws, log splitters and shredders.

The changes would align engine and equipment emissions standards with those in the U.S., helping to ensure that engines sold in Canada meet the same air pollution emissions standards as those sold in the United States.