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[SIZE="4"]Stricter exhaust limits set by DENR[/SIZE]
By Rhodina Villanueva (The Philippine Star)
Updated October 27, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Stricter exhaust limits have been imposed on motorcycles, tricycles and scooters.

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje said all brand new motorcycles, tricycle and mopeds are required to conform with stricter standards for carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions prior to registration.

“Emission standards for two- or three-wheeled motorized vehicles, which together with other motor vehicles like jeepneys, buses, trucks and cars, are the greatest contributor to air pollution in the metropolis,” he said.

The new limits are contained in DENR Administrative Order No. 2010-24.

Through the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), the DENR issues to vehicle manufacturer, assembler or importer a Certificate of Conformity (COC) to certify compliance with emission standards.

Paje said setting emission standards for two- and three-wheeled vehicles is necessary because their HC and NOx emissions are significantly higher than four-wheeled vehicles.

“DAO 24 is also a result of consultations with the motorcycle industry and other stakeholders, and gives them sufficient time to plan and design vehicles to ensure conformity to standards set by the European Economic Commission,” he said.

“A car emits around 600 parts per million (ppm) of CO and HC, while a motorcycle can emit as much as 5,000 ppm,” the secretary said. “It is thus not difficult to understand the environmental impact of the emissions from the millions of registered and unregistered motorcycles, tricycles and scooters you see on the road everyday.”