EPA stops illegal imported engines
The United States Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) and the United States Customs (Customs) and Border Protection
have seized and prevented the import of over 11,000 pieces of illegal
gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles and equipment in the past nine
months.
The EPA has assessed over $798,000 in civil penalties
against the importers in addition to Customs penalties and storage
fees. The equipment, which includes tractors, lawn and garden equipment,
off-road motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and electric generators,
pose a risk to the public health and the environment.
The federal Clean Air Act (CAA) requires new gasoline and diesel
engines sold or distributed in the United States to meet EPA emissions
requirements. There has been a recent and dramatic increase in imports
of gasoline and diesel equipment, chiefly from China, which do not
meet these standards.
Purchasers should look for emissions labels before
buying engines or equipment. If the label is missing, the equipment
most likely is an illegal import and should be avoided. Sellers
of such equipment should be reported to EPA.
For information on imports, visit epa.gov/otaq/imports/index.htm
|
