The EPA has just issued a news release which at first seems about as mundane as you can imagine. The EPA is going to regulate lawnmowers!! Oh my, you say, it they are regulating lawnmowers today, what will be next: electric tooth brushes?

But this is a serious subject both environmentally and economically. Let's discuss the environmental issues first. Did you know that commercial and residential gardening equipment accounts for seven percent of the ozone forming pollutants from all mobile sources, including automobiles? Ozone production results in smog and has other negative environmental impacts.

The EPA reached an agreement with lawnmower engine manufacturers. By the year 2005, these manufacturers will produce lawnmower engines that are 40% cleaner than present engines. So there really is an environmental significance to the lawnmower agreement.

Now, the economics: lawnmowers will likely cost more money to purchase and more money to operate once new engines are produced under the new agreement. Perhaps, this will not be a real problem for homeowners. But how about commercial property owners with many acres of lawn that must be cut? These properties already cost a substantial amount to keep neatly manicured.

But let's go back to the environment again. Pesticides and nutrients are poured over these beautiful commercial laws to keep them extra green -- but these substances runoff onto public water bodies and may seep into the ground. Lawns create a heavy environmental toll. And the power equipment contributes to air pollution. So, beautiful lawns are generally not environmentally friendly.

With engine costs likely to rise, as will likely operating costs, commercial property owners will take a second look at whether it still makes sense to maintain that golf-course look.

ONE COST EFFECTIVE OPTION
The golf course look fits the traditional corporate image. But, that image is changing. A significant emerging trend is to replace that classic look with natural landscaping. Planners and environmentalistsare able to create a natural, native habitat, which replaces the classic manicured look. Back to nature means low maintenace -- it takes care of itself.

And surprise!! Grass cuttings can be reduced by 60%, and, as it turns out, the natural wildlife habitat may enhance the overall appearance of a site. Not to mention the public relations boost as well.

Nature scaping will be more carefully considered as the cost of maintaining the classic look continues to escalate. Clearly, the EPA's announcement concerning lawnmowers will weigh into this decision-making process. Since dollars and sense are truly at issue, companies will want to take a close look at this environmentally friendly alternative.

The information provided in this column is written by Stuart Lieberman,a practicing environmental attorney, and is for general information purposes only. It is not legal advice and should not be used in place of legal advice.

Stuart Lieberman, Esq., and IRED.Com, Inc., will not accept any responsibilty for any reliance on the information in this column or any damages whatsoever resulting from reading this column.