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Alexandria, Va. – January 24, 2012 – This year’s winter season may be off to an uneven start, but winter storms and other natural disasters and emergencies can take homeowners by surprise anytime. The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an association representing outdoor power equipment, utility vehicle and engine manufacturers and suppliers, recommends that homeowners have certain equipment on hand to cope with unexpected weather or public health emergencies. First aid emergency kits and general preparedness kits for power outages and flu outbreaks are commonplace. But, OPEI’s Kris Kiser, President and CEO, recommends that homeowners “make sure they have a [.....]

About OPEI The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) is an international trade association representing more than 100 small engine, utility vehicle and outdoor power equipment manufacturers and suppliers of consumer and commercial outdoor power equipment. OPEI is a recognized Standards Development Organization for the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and active internationally through the International Standards Organization (ISO) in the development of safety and performance standards. The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute of Canada (OPEIC) is OPEI’s corporate entity to represent member’s interests in Canada and its provinces. OPEI is managing partner of GIE+EXPO, the industry’s annual international trade show. The [.....]

From its founding, OPEI has made consumer safety and product education a vitally important aspect of its charter. OPEI works closely with the CPSC and Health Canada on issues related to consumer protection and enforcement of the Consumer Product Safety Act. The outdoor power equipment industry, working through OPEI and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and ISO, has developed numerous voluntary standards, used by virtually all manufacturers, to address safety concerns associated with the use of equipment. In addition to establishing a number of ANSI safety standards for outdoor power equipment, OPEI collects, maintains, and distributes written, audio and [.....]

OPEI Board of Directors Winter Board Meeting January 26-28, 2014 Key West, Florida  Program Committees Ethanol Education, Communications and PR Task Group Meeting January 16,2014 OPEI Office – Alexandria, VA Forecast Panel Task Group Meeting February 25, 2014 OPEI Office – Alexandria, VA Market Statistic Committee Meeting March 19-20, 2014 Sarasota, FL OPEI Legal & Regulatory Compliance Committee Meeting April 2, 2014 OPEI Office – Alexandria, VA Engine & Fuels Committee Meeting May 13-15, 2014 OPEI Office – Alexandria, VA Standards Committees IEC TC 116 MT 3 Committee Meeting January 27-29, 2014 Orlando, Florida Handheld Products/B175 Standard Committee Meetings May [.....]

As we all know, water availability and water quality are very real concerns around the country.  Some places have too much rain, some not enough rain, but in a country this size, with so many climatic variations, that is hardly surprising. So, OPEI encourages the development of water policies that are based on regional climate variations across the country with a focus on planting the right plant, in the right place at the right time. To address longer-term water concerns, OPEI is working on two fronts: First, we are working with stakeholder groups and ASABE, an accredited ANSI standards organization [.....]

The OPEI standards development process is anchored by two factors: dedicated professionals from member companies AND robust procedures. Each current American National Standard (ANS) is maintained by a member-led standing committee operating under strict procedures to achieve full antitrust compliance, consensus, and maintenance of member due process rights. OPEI technical committees are focused on ANS maintenance, but also function as the Institute’s forums and outside liaison in many critical topic areas, including: Product safety, Regulatory compliance, and International representation. The OPEI committees are chaired by member company representatives, nominated and elected by a majority of his or her peers, and [.....]

OPEI holds many events throughout the year, which are meant to serve, support, and shape our industry, including the OPEI Annual Meeting and GIE+EXPO. Committees meet on a regular basis on topics ranging from association management for our executive leadership and legislative and regulatory issues to technical and safety standards and market information. These meetings are a primary benefit of OPEI membership, providing our members with the opportunity to be involved in vital leadership roles and engage in networking opportunities.

OPEI is the industry’s chief advocate before U.S. Congress and other policy makers on Capitol Hill.  We work to create public policy that informs consumers about changing fuels and product safety, addresses long-term water quality and availability issues, and creates a fair and level playing field when it comes to regulations and emissions policies. We believe that by working together, more can be accomplished to benefit the outdoor power, utility vehicle and engine equipment industry, as well as the American consumer and a workforce that depend on our machines, vehicles and equipment. Our policy and advocacy work centers on three [.....]

The OPEI is proud to be an accredited Standards Development Organization by the American National Standards Institute, and a leader in educational services for the safe and proper operation of outdoor power equipment products. The central component of the OPEI’s standards program is the publication and maintenance of 15 American National Standards. The products and components covered include consumer and commercial lawn mowers, snow throwers, tillers, chainsaws, blowers, grass trimmers/brushcutters, cut-off machines, fuel systems and utility vehicles. A current listing with document scopes and purchase information is included in the Standards Store page. The standards development component of the OPEI member [.....]