In 1998, the Environmental Protection Agency set standards for lowering emissions of pollutants for commercial and recreational marine engines. In many areas of the country, marine engines are the highest contributors of the ground-level ozone pollutants oxides of nitrogen and hydrocarbons.

In order to further reduce pollution of these respiratory system irritants, the EPA has developed a list of tips for pollution prevention:

• Limit engine operation at full throttle
• Eliminate unnecessary idling
• Close the vent on portable gas tanks when the engine is not in use
• Prepare engines properly for winter storage

For more information and tips please visit the EPA's Boating Pollution Prevention webpage.

Also check out the EPA's Nonroad Engines, Equipment and Vehicles page for information on emissions.