New emissions laws could save health costs

Proposed federal laws to regulate emissions from a range of small engines have been estimated to deliver $1.7 billion in avoided health costs.

Putting a cap on noxious emissions from leaf-blowers, lawn-mowers and outboard boat engines could save Australia billions of dollars in health costs.

That's the argument of the federal government, which on Thursday introduced to parliament proposed new standards for small, non-road spark engines.

Emissions from those engines, used in petrol-powered outdoor equipment and marine outboards, are not regulated in Australia.

At peak times, particularly on summer weekends in cities, small petrol engines can contribute up to 10 per cent of air pollution in urban areas.

Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg told parliament the standards, to be phased-in over two years, will help improve Australia's air quality.

In turn, it will deliver an estimated $1.7 billion in avoided health costs over 20 years.

"The Australian government has worked with industry for over a decade to develop emissions standards for these products and will continue this cooperation to ensure Australians continue to enjoy clean air into the future," he said.