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^^¦Environmental News
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FOR RELEASE A.M.'S FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 1974
EPA INTENDS TO PROPOSE MOTORCYCLE EMISSION STANDARDS
Environmental Protection Aigency Administrator Russell E.
Train today announced EPA's intent to propose air pollution
emission standards for motorcycles.
In an advance notice of proposed rulemaking published in
the Federal Register of January 17/ Train said motorcycle emis-
sion limitations are necessary to prevent pollution increases
due to possible upsurges in motorcycle sales.
Train said that automobile controls to reduce pollution
in urban areas, and fuel shortages during the energy crisis,
could result in a significant shift from automobiles to motor-
cycles.
EPA estimates, based on an analysis of actual sales data
and projected trends, show that 2.3 million motorcycles will
be; offered for sale in 1976, compared with a projected 12 mil-
lion automobiles.
"On the average," Train said, "an uncontrolled motorcycle
emits twenty; times more hydrocarbons per vehicle mile traveled
(more)
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than an automobile controlled to the 1976 standards. The average
motorcycle annually travels one-third the distance of an automo-
bile. Based on these data, the total population of new motor-
cycles sold in 1976 and each later year will, if left uncontrolled,
add a greater hydrocarbon burden to the atmosphere than the total
population of new cars sold in each of those years."
Hydrocarbons in the presence of sunlight contribute to the
formation of photochemical oxidants (smog)., a major form of urban
air pollution.
The advance notice indicates that the emission standards
would apply only to those motorcycles' with engine displacements
50 cc or greater which are manufactured for operation on public
streets and highways.
Train said EPA anticipates making the standards uniform
for all motorcycle engine designs, such as the 2-stroke, 4-
stroke, and rotary engines.
EPA is considering limiting emissions from 1976, 1977 and
1978 motorcycles to 8.0 grams per mile (gpm) hydrocarbons, 28
gpm carbon monoxide and 2 gpm nitrogen oxides.
In 1979 the standards would be made more stringent, possibly
to levels then in effect for cars.
Train said a smoke standard is not contemplated at this
time because a low hydrocarbon standard would probably eliminate
smoke emissions. He said no crankcase emissions are expected
to be allowed for the 1976 model year and beyond.
Train said today's advance notice was issued to provide
maximum opportunity for the public, motorcycle manufacturers
and States to comment on technical and other issues
related to motorcycle regulations. Formal proposal of motor-
cycle emission standards will follow the review and analysis
of all comments received as a result of the advance notice.
The advance notice contains numerous questions for public
comment covering various aspects of emission control technologyt
applicability, certification, test procedures, and specific
standards.
Comments in response to the advance notice should be sub-
mitted within 60 days, with five copies, to the EPA, Division
of Emission Control Technology, Office of Mobile Source Air
Pollution Control, 2565 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105.
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