TRPA reaffirms ban on most personal watercraft

The ban that takes effect in June was debated for nearly three years. Governors of the bistate agency created by Congress to protect Lake Tahoe reaffirmed its support of the ban with passage of an ordinance on Wednesday.

Scientists have said the two-stroke engines pollute the lake because they dump 25 percent of their fuel unburned into the water.

"TRPA's making a statement that these discharges are significant and we want it stopped," said Gordon Barrett, TRPA's planning chief.

But in approving the move, the agency agreed to consider some changes requested by boat manufacturers and watercraft rental companies.

The board will discuss possible exceptions to the ban in February.

For one, outboard engines of 10 horsepower or less - the kind typically used by fishermen - could be allowed if governors are satisfied with an environmental analysis to be prepared by staff. Auxiliary motors used by sailboats also could be allowed.

The board also will consider allowing personal watercraft powered by two-stroke engines that are certified as sufficiently clean under Environmental Protection Agency emission guidelines targeted for 2006.

Watercraft meeting EPA emission standards for 2001 could be allowed on the lake until 2001 before being banned.

John Fagan, a lawyer for the National Marine Manufacturers Association, said the possible exemptions could lead to settlement of a lawsuit filed against TRPA by boat manufacturers and watercraft rental companies at the lake.

But Fagan added that nothing was certain.

"We've still got a lot of ifs," he said.

His association favors regulations tied to EPA emission standards.

Larry Hoffmann, a lawyer representing rental companies, said TRPA has succeeded in bringing attention to the problem at Lake Tahoe and elsewhere.

"You've got our attention. You've got the industry's attention. You have caused pretty much a sea of change in the way people think about this issue," he said.

But he urged governors to give the industry more time to develop cleaner technology.

"What is going to be the harm in giving people a reasonable period of time?"

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