Mercury's emission response

A LEADING expert on marine emission regulations has provided significant input into Mercury Marine's response to the federal government's discussion paper on reducing marine engine emissions here in Australia.

Mark Riechers Mercury Marine’s global director - Regulatory Development recently flew in from the US and spent a week with Mercury’s local executive team to discuss the changes proposed in the Environment Protection and Heritage Council’s regularity impact statement (RIS).

Riechers was part of the team which negotiated the current Environmental Protect Agency emission rules in the US as well as the current CARB emission standards. He is also heavily involved in the development of the emission regulations in Europe and Canada.

He is also the Chairman of the International Marine Engine Committee (IMEC), part of ICOMIA.

“The regulatory changes being considered by Canberra could have a profound impact on the outboard industry, its dealers and boat builders, if consensus on the implementation dates is not reached. So we want to make sure every impact is thoroughly considered – on the environment, manufacturers, dealers and of course boat owners,” said John Temple Mercury Marine GM Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific.

“We were able to give Mark a detailed picture of the Australian market and he was able to provide us with a unique insight into the ramifications of the changes under consideration.

“Mercury is a world leader in low emission technology so we fully support the Government’s intention – we just want to ensure the impact of the changes is carefully considered and their impact on the industry.”