Engines used to power appliances were not CA-certified. NEWS RELEASE FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Air Resources Board
Release 09-84
September 16, 2009
Contact for News Media Only:
Karen Caesar
(626) 575-6728
ARB fines marketers of gasoline-powered blenders $240K Engines used to
power appliances were not CA-certified
Sacramento - The Air Resources Board this month fined Orange
County-based On the Edge Marketing and CSK Auto Inc. of Phoenix $240,000
for selling gasoline-powered blenders using illegal uncertified small
off-road engines to California businesses and residents.
Sales of these unauthorized blenders, popular for mixing beverages at
tail-gate parties and other outdoor events, occurred in 2007. They
feature "two-stroke" engines similar in size to those that power small
chain saws, and require that oil be mixed in with the gas. These types
of illegal uncertified engines from China can produce emissions 10 times
as high as those of compliant certified engines approved for use in
California.
"Gasoline-powered blenders may be this year's tailgate sensation, but
drinkers should not be polluting our air while having a good time," said
ARB Chairman Mary D. Nichols.
Both companies, which originally imported about 3,000 of these blenders
from China, have been ordered to stop selling goods with non-certified
small off-road engines, and to make payments to the California Air
Pollution Control Fund, which supports projects and research to prevent
air pollution.
Non-certified gasoline engines can produce excess smog-forming emissions
that can cause difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, coughs,
heightened asthma rates, cardiopulmonary ailments and premature deaths.
CSK Auto, Inc. owns and operates more than 1,300 retail auto parts
stores in multiple states under the brand names Checker Auto Parts,
Schuck's Auto Supply, and Murray's Discount Auto Stores. The company
operates "Kragen Auto Parts" stores in California. CSK bills itself as
the largest specialty auto parts and accessories retailer in the western
U.S. On the Edge Marketing manufactures and imports a variety of niche
items, including private label products.
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The Air Resources Board is a department of the California Environmental
Protection Agency. ARB's mission is to promote and protect public
health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction of
air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy.
The ARB oversees all air pollution control efforts in California to
attain and maintain health based air quality standards.
