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ALEXANDRIA, Va. — May 29, 2015 — Consumers are ill-equipped to make smart decisions about new gasoline choices entering the marketplace, such as fuel blends greater than ten percent ethanol, show two recent national polls conducted online by Harris Poll on behalf of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). According to poll results, Americans continue to choose gasoline on price, and do not pay much attention to pump warning labels. Fuels containing greater than ten percent ethanol can damage or destroy outdoor power equipment, including lawn mowers, chain saws, generators, utility vehicles and other small engine equipment such as motorcycle, [.....]

Gibsonia, Pa. – Organizers of the “Be a Backyard Superhero” Contest will present a $5,000 grant to Aquinas Academy of Pittsburgh on June 1 to recognize local elementary student, Liam Ellis, of Sewickley, Pa. Ellis is the grand prize winner of the national “Be a Backyard Superhero” contest for grades 3-5 and attends the Academy.  ** MEDIA ADVISORY ** WHO: Organizers of the “Be a Backyard Superhero” Contest, the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI)’s Research and Education Foundation and Scholastic  WHAT: Check presentation ceremony for $5,000 grant to improve school green space. Kris Kiser, president and CEO of OPEI and a representative [.....]

Trophy Club, Texas – Organizers of the “Be a Backyard Superhero” Contest will present a $5,000 grant to Samuel Beck Elementary School on June 2 to recognize local elementary student, Jordan Evans. Evans is the grand prize winner of the national “Be a Backyard Superhero” contest for grades K-2 and attends the school.  ** MEDIA ADVISORY ** WHO: Organizers of the “Be a Backyard Superhero” Contest, the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI)’s Research and Education Foundation and Scholastic  WHAT: Check presentation ceremony for $5,000 grant to improve school green space. Kris Kiser, president and CEO of OPEI and a representative of Scholastic [.....]

Yards, sports fields and other mowing areas are not always flat, and consumers should exercise caution when operating lawn mowers on uneven or sloped terrain. The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) issues the following safety tips to remind consumers about safe procedures when operating lawn mowers on or near slopes. “If you are using your lawn mower on a slope, it is very important that you pay attention to the terrain, be vigilant of risks and know how to fully operate your mower,” said Kris Kiser, President and CEO of OPEI. “These best practices can help lawn mower operators avoid potential [.....]

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (March 16, 2015)—With warmer weather urging people to put away snow throwers and bring out lawn mowers, string trimmers, and other lawn and garden equipment, the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) reminds consumers that equipment care, maintenance and safety is a year round activity. To operate machines safely, it’s important that equipment operators understand safety procedures and set expectations with others who use this equipment or are nearby. “Many people are eager to pull out lawn and garden equipment right now. Who wouldn’t be desperate to kick start spring this year? This winter generated colossal respect for snow [.....]

As spring emerges and families enjoy being outside, the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), issues the following safety tips about children and lawn mower safety. “Keep children off of riding mowers and out of work areas when mowers are in operation,” said Kris Kiser, President and CEO of OPEI.  “You would not allow your child to get behind the wheel of a car or run or play near a moving car. Follow this same principle when it comes to mowers.” Safety tips: Alert nearby people.Make sure the people in the area know you are going to mow. Confirm the locations [.....]

Real-Life Rescue Dog Comes to Life in Digital Storybook & K-5 Instructional Materials Designed to Inspire Children, Families and Teachers to Sustainably Care for Green Spaces ALEXANDRIA, Va. – TurfMutt, an environmental stewardship and education program funded and managed by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute’s (OPEI) Research and Education Foundation, announces an expanded TurfMutt program for schools and families designed to help youth learn about science and the environment from the perspective of the backyard, community and personal green spaces they enjoy everyday while gaining an understanding of their benefits to the planet when cared for in a sustainable way. [.....]

 Rural Lifestyle Dealer talked with Kris Kiser, president of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, about OPEI’s stance on recent legislation (news below) to repeal the current renewable fuels standard (RFS) and the ethanol mandate. Kiser says, “We don’t necessarily support the bill that repeals the standard or want to attack the corn mandate. We don’t want to get into whether ethanol is good or bad.”  Read more from the article here.

OPEI’s campaign cautions users to use correct gasoline when fueling up outdoor power equipment, snowmobiles, boats, motorcycles, and other small engine products   Alexandria, Va., January 6, 2015 – The Equipment Engine & Training Council (EETC) has joined forces with the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) in the ‘Look Before You Pump’ campaign, an ethanol education and consumer protection program. The campaign reminds consumers to always use fuels containing no greater than ten percent ethanol (E10) when powering their outdoor power equipment or other non-road product, such as boats, snowmobiles and motorcycles, not designed for higher ethanol fuel blends. The EETC is [.....]

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – According to the Farmers’ Almanac, the winter of 2014–15 will see below-normal temperatures for about three-quarters of the nation. That means snow blowers could be getting a workout this winter. The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) offers the following safety tips to assist homeowners, contractors and business owners as they power up their snow removal equipment. Make sure your snow blower is in good working order, before the first flakes fall. Change the oil. Install a new spark plug and inspect the belts to be sure they are in good working order. If you forgot to drain the fuel [.....]