EPA plans regulatory relief for certain Tier 4 engines, vessels

摘要

Despite nine years of advance notice, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a three-year deadline extension so marine engine manufacturers and boatbuilders can meet Tier 4 emissions standards for vessels with lightweight and high-powered diesel engines. The Savannah (Ga.) Pilots Association and New England lobstermen are among those who want to build high-speed commercial boats but are hindered by the lack of engines that meet Tier 4 standards and have a suitable power-to-density output. The EPA proposal would allow Tier 3 engines to continue to be installed while manufacturers and boatbuilders develop Tier 4-compliant vessels using diesel engines between 600 kW (804 hp) and 1,400 kW (1,877 hp).