Expect forklift tags to rise as manufacturers gear up to meet new EPA-emission standards for their engines. EPA estimates increased costs to manufacturers of about $600 per vehicle, claiming that fuel savings will offset higher costs.

Most of the controversy about EPA's final ruling last month affecting non- or off-road vehicles centered on provisions regarding recreational vehicles such as snowmobiles. But the rule also covers large spark ignition (LSI) engines used in industry such as forklifts and electric generators.

Impact of the regulation on forklifts will hit immediately as manufacturers nationwide gear up to meet the standard, which is similar to that already in effect in California, for new engines produced after Jan. 1, 2004. Stricter requirements become effective after 2007.

Gary Cross, a Washington lawyer representing the Industrial Truck Association, says the final rule took into account manufacturers concerns about leadtime. "Manufacturers feel they can live with the rule for the 2004 standard," Cross says. "We would have been more comfortable (with the 2007 standard) if EPA had waited until they had more data."

George Maes, chief technical officer for Nissan's industrial truck division, says his company, which makes both the engine and body for forklifts, is "in the process of gearing up" to produce enough trucks that meet the 2004 standard. They are already available, he says, because Nissan has been producing them for the California market.

The added equipment, such as catalytic converters and fuel system equipment, lift tags on trucks by about $700, Maes says. Manufacturers will face additional costs to meet the lower 2007 standard for emissions. The engines then will have to meet emission standards not just when they are new but throughout their life and under field operating conditions, he explains.

"Manufacturers will have to guarantee compliance in whatever conditions the agency (EPA) wants to impose," says Cross.

Among benefits of controlling pollutants from industrial type engines, EPA says, is reducing exposure of workers to carbon monoxide and other air toxins and a 20% reduction in fuel use.