What's New List Serve Post Display

Please consider the following news release from the California
Air Resources Board: http://bit.ly/1DkHioQ
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 29, 2015

NEWS RELEASE 15-06

CONTACT:

Franceska Ramos
(916) 322-2990
franceska.ramos@arb.ca.gov


MTD Southwest Inc. fined $435,000 for selling garden maintenance
equipment that violated California’s air pollution laws

$108,750 to go to community colleges for small engine
maintenance, repair courses


SACRAMENTO - The California Air Resources Board announced that
MTD Southwest Inc. has agreed to a settlement totaling $435,000
to resolve violations of California laws related to sales of
uncertified small off-road engines such as lawn, garden and other
maintenance utility equipment in California. 

In early 2012, MTD Southwest discovered unexpected emission
testing results while preparing certification documentation for
engines to be used in its equipment. The manufacturer of outdoor
power equipment, with a facility in Tempe, Ariz., immediately
launched an internal investigation and determined that a change
in engine materials resulted in engines whose emissions did not
match those submitted for the original certification. MTD
Southwest voluntarily disclosed the matter to ARB and conducted a
comprehensive audit which resulted in the discovery of a second
issue, promptly disclosed to ARB, involving a noncompliant fuel
system component.  

“Companies must demonstrate that manufactured engine products
will not result in excess emissions to our air,” said ARB
Enforcement Chief James Ryden. “In order to protect public
health, all engine equipment must be evaluated by ARB and
determined to be legal before being offered for sale in
California.”

Although the actions by the company were unintentional, 12,500
small off-road uncertified engines were sold in California in
violation of the California laws that prohibit the manufacture
and distribution of engines that do not comply with the state’s
clean air laws.

Of the full amount collected under the settlement, $326,250 will
be paid to the California Air Pollution Control Fund, which
supports efforts to decrease air pollution through education and
the adoption of cleaner technologies. The remaining $108,750 of
the settlement will be directed to the Foundation for California
Community Colleges Supplemental Environmental Project to enhance
and improve small engine maintenance/repair courses, with
corresponding emission reduction benefit and emission education,
conducted at nine California community college campuses.

In addition to the voluntary self-disclosures, MTD Southwest took
immediate corrective action with shipment holds, sales holds,
inventory buybacks and future certification revisions. The
company fully cooperated with ARB in the investigation and
resolution of this matter, including all communication,
disclosure and remediation.  




California is in a drought emergency.
Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips.