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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

New Epa Rules To Cut Watercraft Emissions

Compiled From Wire Services

The Environmental Protection Agency is expected to issue federal regulations next week that for the first time will cut pollution from new recreational watercraft ranging from Jet-Skis to yachts.

The rules, which are designed to cut hydrocarbon emissions by 75 percent, will also raise prices of new engines by an average of $1,000 over the next few years, engine makers said, but savings in fuel costs could compensate boat owners by nearly a third of the increase.

The tighter pollution rules, which are expected to take effect at the end of next year, are designed to cut engine emissions by an average of 9 percent from current levels. The engines are expected to be at least 30 percent more fuel efficient.