Washington, D.C. (May 13, 2009) — An innovative hand-held propane grass trimmer for home use earned accolades from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Clean Air Act Advisory Committee at the 9th Annual Clean Air Excellence awards program in Washington, D.C., on May 13.

The LEHR Eco Trimmer uses environmentally friendly propane, which creates up to 70 percent less smog-producing hydrocarbons and 96 percent fewer toxins and carcinogens than gasoline, according to studies by the Southwest Research Institute. That clean-air profile was a major reason LEHR received a Clean Air Technology award at the event

“It’s time to start caring for green spaces with green technology,” said LEHR Founder and CEO Captain Bernardo J. Herzer. “Propane is key to the Eco Trimmer and our forthcoming Eco Series of lawn and garden tools because it is so much easier on the environment than gasoline.”

According to EPA, 17 million gallons of gasoline are spilled every year filling lawn and garden equipment. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) reports that emissions and spills from gas containers and tanks account for about 87 tons of smog-forming reactive organic gases per day in California alone, equal to the heat-trapping emissions produced by 1 million cars.

In September 2008, EPA enacted new small engine regulations that will take effect in 2010 and 2011. The LEHR Eco Trimmer already meets or exceeds those regulations. The trimmer’s sealed propane system eliminates spillage and evaporative emissions, plus propane use reduces carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbon emissions.

“We can cut air pollutant emissions immediately by expanding use of clean, low-carbon propane at home, at work, and on the road,” said Roy Willis, president and CEO of the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). “Even a seemingly small choice like a propane-powered grass trimmer can make a significant difference for the environment.”

The LEHR Eco Trimmer was launched on Earth Day and is available nationwide at participating Home Depot, Ace Hardware, True Value, Meijer, Do It Best, and Sears stores, under the Craftsman label.

The Clean Air Excellence Awards, established in 2000, annually recognize innovative efforts that help make progress toward achieving cleaner air. Award-winning entries must reduce pollutant emissions, offer sustainable outcomes, and provide a model for others to follow. In 2009, the LEHR Eco Trimmer was one of only seven new green technologies to receive the award.

About the LEHR Eco Trimmer

The LEHR Eco Trimmer is the first-ever commercially available garden tool to use a standard 16.4-ounce propane canister as its fuel source. Featuring Twist ‘n Go! fueling, the LEHR Eco Trimmer delivers the power and performance of a competitively priced gasoline trimmer but without the safety concerns, inconvenience, and detrimental environmental effects of gasoline use and storage. The steel canisters are 100 percent recyclable when empty. For more information about the LEHR Eco Trimmer and reducing air pollution emissions, visit golehr.com.

 

 

 

About LEHR Incorporated

 

LEHR Incorporated is a pioneer in the research and and development of cleaner energy solutions to help conserve natural resources and preserve the environment. LEHR is working to extend the applications for its patented propane technology to include an Eco Blower and an Eco Mower by 2010. By using a standard, “camping style” 16.4-ounce propane canister, the tools in the LEHR Eco Series are safer, healthier, and easier to use than gasoline products.

 

 

 

About Propane

 

Propane is a low-carbon alternative fuel that emits significantly lower amounts of greenhouse gases and smog-producing hydrocarbons than conventional fuels. While its portability has made it a staple for home and water heating in rural areas, its environmentally friendly profile also makes it appealing for people looking for clean energy options for other residential, transportation, commercial, and agricultural uses. Propane has the most robust U.S. infrastructure of any alternative fuel. For more information about propane and how to make every energy choice count toward a better future, visit propane.com.