Mowing the lawn

Today's New York Times points us to a company that has a great opportunity to become a true Citizen Brand.  Briggs & Stratton, one of America's oldest brands and the longtime leader in the manufacturing of small engines, is fighting attempts to reduce engine emissions.  And if you think a lawn mower engine is not a problem, consider this fact from the Times article:

Gallon for gallon — or, given the size of lawnmower tanks, quart for quart — the 2006 lawn mower engines contribute 93 times more smog-forming emissions than 2006 cars, according to the California Air Resources Board.

The issue started in California where you might have heard that smog can be a problem.  The EPA is now moving toward a national limit on small engine emissions.  So this train looks like it is on the track.

So how can Briggs & Stratton become a model Citizen Brand?  The company says if they have to conform to these new emission standards that they will have to move jobs overseas.  That has become a tired and worn out excuse in my opinion.  Briggs & Stratton could in one move, become the new model for American companies that want to do what is right on all fronts:  improve the environment and keep jobs in America.

So what do you say Briggs & Stratton?  Some of your smaller competitors are finding ways to produce fewer emissions.  You are the category leader.  Show us your stuff.

Or people might start buying this product.