MEMBER REPORT
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Awards affirming Equip’s standing as one of the most innovative and impactful trade shows in the country. That momentum has allowed us to take a strategic, long-range view of how Equip can best serve our members and the global marketplace. Beginning in 2029, Equip Exposition will transition to a planned two- city rotation between Louisville and Orlando. This approach gives exhibitors and attendees the best of both worlds: Louisville’s one-of-a- kind outdoor demonstration experience and deep industry roots, paired with Orlando’s international accessibility, venue flexibility, and expanded opportunities for meetings and programming. Importantly, this rotation strengthens Equip’s growth trajectory while preserving what makes the show truly distinctive. In the year ahead, our focus remains squarely on delivering value to our members.
As we look ahead to 2026, I’m energized by the strength, momentum, and opportunity before OPEI, Equip Exposition, the TurfMutt Foundation, and the broader outdoor power equipment industry. The past several years have positioned our association for long- term growth — and the year ahead is about building on that foundation with purpose and confidence. Equip Exposition continues to be a powerful reflection of that trajectory. The 2025 show marked the fourth consecutive year of record growth, welcoming nearly 30,000 professionals from all 50 states and 52 countries and expanding to more than 1.2 million square feet of exhibit space, including our unmatched 30-acre Outdoor Demo Yard. Industry recognition has followed, with multiple Trade Show Executive Grand
OPEI will continue its leadership on critical issues shaping the business environment — from battery stewardship and regulatory engagement to standards development, market intelligence, and long-term industry planning. In a time of rapid change, your association is committed to providing clarity, consistency, and a strong collective voice. Thank you for your continued engage- ment and trust in OPEI. As we move into 2026, I am confident that the steps we are taking today will ensure continued growth, relevance, and opportunity for our members.
— Kris Kiser
opei.org | 1605 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 | 703-549-7600 equipexposition.com | 209 E. Main St., Louisville, KY 40202 | 502-536-7050
EQUIP EXPOSITION ANNOUNCES STRATEGIC TWO-CITY ROTATION STARTING IN 2029
Equip Exposition, the international landscape, outdoor living, and equipment trade show, today announces plans for a two-city rotation beginning in 2029, expanding global access with direct international air traffic, and new venue choices for attendees and exhibitors as well as enhancing outdoor demonstration opportunities in its longtime host city. Equip Exposition will be held at the Orlando County Convention Center in Orlando, FL, Oct. 10-12, 2029, with shows in 2031 and 2033. The trade show will be in Louisville in 2028, 2030, and 2032. “This rotation gives our exhibitors and attendees the best of both worlds,” said Kris Kiser, President of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, which owns and manages Equip. “Orlando has space for our members to host dealer meetings, provides additional co- location opportunities, and offers expanded venue choice for exhibitor and attendee programming. The rotation also allows us to work with Louisville on enhancing their unique outdoor demo area – the only venue of its kind in the country.” Since OPEI assumed full management of Equip Exposition in 2022, the show has experienced extraordinary growth in attendance, exhibit space, and revenue – as well as award recognition. Since 2022, Equip has received 12 Grand Award nominations from Trade Show Executive magazine, and has won four, including the “Greatest Trade Show of 2024,” the “Against All Odds Award,” “Most Innovative Show,” and “Best New Idea.”
Orange County Convention Center
The 2025 show expanded to 1.2 million square feet and drew nearly 30,000 registered attendees from all 50 states and 52 countries, marking an attendance and net square footage record for the fourth year in a row. “This planned two-city rotation builds on Equip’s tremendous growth trajectory. Our transformation of Equip has unlocked enormous value for both attendees and exhibitors,” said Kiser. “We’ve created a platform where industry professionals can see thousands of products, test real-world equipment, and make critical business connections.” Equip 2026 will be held Oct. 20-23 in Louisville. OPEI and Equip have already initiated conversations with local partners, including
Louisville Tourism and Kentucky Venues, about enhancing and expanding the show’s Outdoor Demo Yard experience at the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC). “Louisville has been our home for 42 years – this is where Equip began. We’re proud of that history, and the extraordinary Southern hospitality the city has shown our attendees over four decades,” Kiser said. “We’re excited about the changes coming to the KEC that will ultimately make the event better for attendees and exhibitors. The outdoor space truly is a one-of-a-kind experience.” To register for this year’s show, and for updates on city rotation, housing, and exhibitor opportunities, visit www.equipexposition.com.
2
MEMBER REPORT
EQUIP EXPO BREAKS MORE RECORDS
Equip Exposition, the international landscape, outdoor living, and equipment exposition, posted another year of record attendance with nearly 30,000 registered attendees and double-digit growth in both landscaper and dealer audiences. “Now in our fourth year as Equip, we continue to break records in both attendance and exhibit space,” said Kris Kiser, President of OPEI, which owns and manages Equip Exposition. “The show, which was recently named Greatest Trade Show in the country, continues to serve as the most important gathering for the global industry, with attendance from all 50 states and 52 countries.” Equip, with more than 1.2 million square feet of indoor and outdoor exhibit space, was named the third-largest trade show in the United States and named the “Greatest Trade Show of 2024” by Trade Show Executive magazine during its Gold 100 Awards & Summit. In 2025, landscaper attendance grew 12% and dealer attendance grew 17%. The blockbuster trade show, along with its co-location partner Hardscape North America, brings more than $30 million annually to Louisville. Since OPEI took on full ownership and management of the show in 2022, it has seen record attendance and sold-out exhibit space every year. “Our team continues to evolve the show to bring attendees the best programming and allow peer-to-peer connections they aren’t able to have anywhere else,” Kiser said. “We’re already hard at work on next year’s event to ensure it remains the greatest show in our industry.” This 2025 show, held October 21 to 24, featured a standing-room-only keynote address from Jesse Cole, creator of the Savannah Bananas,
sponsored by Kress. Attendees opened the show with a Welcome Reception at the iconic Churchill Downs raceway, sponsored by CAT, took in a concert featuring Big and Rich with Gretchen Wilson, sponsored by Gravely, and took part in the annual TurfMutt Fun Run and 5K, sponsored by Active Dynamics. Also new in 2025 was the Equip Creator Space, which allowed
Equip 2026 will again feature a custom small-batch bourbon to be named by a show attendee and an expanded Tree Care Arena. And plans for future shows are also in the works. The Kentucky Exposition Center is currently undergoing a $400 million expansion, part of which will continue to impact the facility over the next few years. Equip Exposition will be held at the Orlando County Convention Center in Orlando, FL, Oct. 10-12, 2029, with shows in 2031 and 2033. The trade show will be in Louisville in 2028, 2030, and 2032. “This rotation gives our exhibitors and attendees the best of both worlds,” said Kiser, President of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, which owns and manages Equip. “Orlando has space for our members to host dealer meetings, provides additional colocation opportunities, and offers expanded venue choice for exhibitor and attendee programming. The rotation also allows us to work with Louisville on enhancing their unique outdoor demo area – the only venue of its kind in the country.”
attendees to connect with industry influencers on the trade show floor. And the event again hosted Mulligan’s Mutt Madness, a national dog adoption event held in conjunction with the Kentucky Humane Society, which found forever homes for 13 dogs. Equip offers attendees a broad lineup of education in both English and Spanish. Expanded education offerings this year included sessions focused on irrigation, outdoor lighting, erosion control, and tree care. Equip’s education partners include
Landscape Management magazine, the Association of Outdoor Lighting
Professionals, Bob Clements International, Consumer Reports, CultureID, the Davey Institute, the Equipment and Engine Training Council, the International Erosion Control Association, the Farnsworth Group, the International Society of Arboriculture, the Irrigation Association, the North American Equipment Dealers Association, the Professional Grounds Management Society, and Texas A&M University.
3
EQUIP EXPOSITION WINS GREATEST TRADE SHOW AWARD IN TRADE SHOW EXECUTIVE’S GOLD 100 AWARDS AND SUMMIT
Equip Exposition, the industry’s largest gathering for landscapers, contractors, dealers, and outdoor power equipment manufacturers, was named last night “The Greatest Trade Show of 2024” by Trade Show Executive in its Gold 100 Awards and Summit. The sold out, blockbuster show also won the “Against All Odds Award” and ranked the third largest trade show in the country. “These particular awards are an exceptional achievement by Equip and OPEI staff,” says Kris Kiser, President of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), which owns and manages Equip Exposition. “Last year was challenging as our registration vendor was a victim of a cyberattack days before the show’s opening. Yet the staff was able to pivot and deliver the best show we’d had yet, still seamlessly. That shows the strength of the team.” Equip, a private, business-to-business show, took place October 21 to 24, at the Kentucky Exposition Center. 2025 marked the fourth time in a row Equip’s trade show floor exhibit space has sold out and, in the shortest amount of time in the show’s
history. Equip posted another year of record attendance with nearly 30,000 registered attendees and double-digit growth in both landscaper and dealer audiences. “The outdoor industry is growing and evolving, and we are with it. Equip has always been a unique show, and we’ll continue to seek ways to better serve our members, exhibitors and attendees with new programming, events
Photo, left to right: Chuck Bowen, Vice President, Communications and Member Relations, and Laura Gipe, Deputy Show Director, Equip Exposition
and experiences,” adds Kiser. “For anyone in the landscape, hardscape, irrigation, tree care, and similar outdoor living field, Equip is a unique opportunity for them.”
Trade Show Executive’s prestigious Gold 100 & Summit recognizes the top trade shows held in the U.S. and offers associations and independent show organizers an opportunity to highlight their achievements. The awards were presented at a TSE Summit in Palm Springs, CA.
Since OPEI took management of the trade show in-house and rebranded it in 2022, Equip has now been nominated for 12 Grand Awards, and has brought home trophies for “Most Innovative Show” and “Best New Idea” in addition to these wins.
4
The TurfMutt Foundation’s 7th Annual Mulligan’s Mutt Madness, held in partnership with the Kentucky Humane Society (KHS) at Equip Exposition 2025, was a huge success with 13 shelter dogs finding their forever homes. A beloved Equip tradition, the popular event featured three-time Emmy-winning host of Lucky Dog, Brandon McMillan, who was on hand to celebrate with new pet parents. At the event, the Foundation also presented a $10,000 donation to KHS. “It’s incredible that 13 lucky dogs left Equip to start their new lives with people who have a soft spot for the green industry and dogs in need,” said Kris Kiser, President of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) and the TurfMutt Foundation. “On behalf of Equip and TurfMutt, I want to extend our warmest congratulations to the new adopters and welcome them into our TurfMutt ‘Howl of Fame.’” THE TURFMUTT FOUNDATION’S MUTT MADNESS FINDS FOREVER HOMES FOR 13 SHELTER DOGS
Over the years, Mutt Madness has matched more than 100 dogs with their humans. In fact, Mulligan the TurfMutt – the spokesdog for the TurfMutt Foundation – was adopted by Kiser at the 2019 Mutt Madness event, making the effort deeply personal for the organization. “It’s hard to beat seeing great dogs find great people,” says Alisa Gray, President & CEO of KHS. “This year, we had Equip attendees coming to our shelter the next day to adopt dogs they met at the event. Mulligan’s Mutt Madness is the event that just keeps on giving!” To learn more about the transformative power of parks and backyards for people, pets and the planet, go to TurfMutt.com.
The newly adopted pups are already enjoying their new lives. Annie Brock, first-time Equip attendee, fell for a chill chihuahua she named Skid. “He was super calm for a chihuahua and that’s really what I liked about him,” says Brock. “Skid is doing great here at our farm in Illinois. He loves my other two dogs and he and my daughter are already best buds.” Jessica Shinkle, an event manager at the Kentucky Expo Center (KEC) where Equip was held, said, “I always go to the Mutt Madness to look at the cute pups, but when I saw Rose, I knew she would be a great playmate for our two-year-old dog, Jack. He is super gentle with Rose, and we are very pleased with our new addition!”
6
MEMBER REPORT
EQUIP EXPOSITION INTRODUCES A NEW ATTENDEE EXPERIENCE FOR 2026: A CLOSING PARTY AT LOUISVILLE’S PARISTOWN POINT
Equip Exposition, the international landscape, outdoor living, and equipment exposition, an- nounces an exciting new addition to the 2026 show, slated for Oct. 20-23: a closing party at Paristown Point Thursday, Oct. 22, at Paristown Point, one of Louisville’s most dynamic new developments and a historic district. The new closing event is designed as a relaxed, open-air opportunity for attendees to unwind, connect, and celebrate the close of the industry’s largest gathering. The celebration will feature live music in the Old Forester Paristown Hall, food vendors from across Louisville, outdoor gathering spaces, and a distinctly local experience curated specifically for Equip attendees. “This closing party has something for everyone,” said Kris Kiser, President of OPEI. “It’s an opportunity to get together with friends you brought and people you met at Equip in a relaxed environment and build on those connections made on the show floor.” A highlight of the evening will be a special bourbon tasting hosted by Uncle Boojie’s Dis- tilling Co., offering attendees an authentic, on-
site barrel tasting experience. Uncle Boojie’s will also serve as the official show bourbon for Equip Exposition 2026. Attendees can sample the bourbon at the show, then enjoy full pours — and even purchase a bottle to take home — during the Thursday night event. Kiser added: “We’re constantly listening to attendees and remaking the show to give them what they ask for: more opportunities for peer-to-peer engagement and to learn from one another. This is a brand-new opportunity for attendees to experience one of Louisville’s unique, historic places.” As previously announced, Equip Exposition will remain in Louisville during the Kentucky Exposition Center’s renovation planning New programming and attendee experiences will continue to enhance the show’s value for all audiences. Also coming in 2026, Equip will launch several new and returning features designed to deliver an epic experience, including new events, education, and networking opportunities: Dealer Breakfast Returns — A refreshed version of the popular Wednesday morning Dealer Breakfast returns, offering
an exclusive networking opportunity ahead of the dealer-only show floor hours. Opening Reception at Churchill Downs — Tuesday night kicks off at the iconic First Turn Club at Churchill Downs, offering a uniquely Kentucky welcome experience. Wednesday Night Concert at 4th Street Live! — Equip brings back a high-energy nighttime concert in one of Louisville’s premier entertainment districts. Expanded Pro Education Series — More advanced education for landscapers, hardscapers, outdoor power equipment dealers, and service professionals. More Education in tree care, irrigation, and other new business segments — Responding to demand, Equip will offer new in-depth sessions tailored to these fast-growing sectors. Attendees are encouraged to register now to secure Super Early Bird pricing — the lowest rates available for 2026. Visit www. EquipExposition.com to register today. For more information about Paristown Point, visit www.paristown.com.
OPEI ANNOUNCES 2026 ANNUAL MEETING SAVANNAH, GEORGIA JUNE 22-24, 2026
The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) is pleased to announce that its 2026 Annual Meeting will convene June 22–24, 2026 , at the JW Marriott Savannah — Plant Riverside District in Savannah, Georgia. For 2026, OPEI has assembled a distinguished lineup of keynote speakers and session leaders whose insights will speak directly to the economic, regulatory and global forces shaping the outdoor power-equipment (OPE) industry. Featured speakers include: Dr. Peter Rupert — A leading macroeconomist whose economic analyses will give members a strategic view of housing, labor markets, and consumer demand — all critical drivers of OPE sales and growth. Robert Costa — National political correspondent and senior Washington analyst, providing clarity on what political developments may mean for U.S. manufacturing, trade policy, and regulatory trends affecting the OPE community. Michael McFaul — Former U.S. Ambassador to Russia, senior fellow at the Hoover Institution,
and globally recognized expert on geopolitics, U.S.–China–Russia relations, and global power dynamics. His address will help frame how global shifts may influence supply chains, international trade, and the broader business environment for American equipment manufacturers and suppliers. In addition to keynote presentations, the meeting will offer: Presentations from OPEI staff and invited guests focusing on emerging trends in electrification, supply-chain resilience, and regulatory compliance; Industry-wide sessions reviewing market data, consumer demand trends and strategic forecasts; Networking events and opportunities to engage directly with industry peers and suppliers The Annual OPEI Golf Outing will be held at The Club at Savannah Harbor , offering attendees an outstanding opportunity to combine business networking with recreation. The Club features a premier 18-hole course
surrounded by tidal wetlands, with sweeping views of historic downtown Savannah. Guests will also enjoy access to a 22,000-square-foot clubhouse with an award-winning golf shop, full-service locker rooms, fine and casual dining, and the luxurious Heavenly Spa by Westin — all in an atmosphere that fosters informal discussion and relationship building among members, suppliers, and industry stakeholders. Detailed information on registration, lodging at the JW Marriott Savannah, golf-outing sign-up, and the full meeting agenda will be released in early 2026. “We are excited to bring our community together in Savannah — a city rich in history and Southern hospitality — for what promises to be a dynamic and forward-looking Annual Meeting,” said Kris Kiser, President of OPEI. “The combination of world-class speakers, industry-relevant programming, and the unique setting at The Club at Savannah Harbor offers members the perfect setting to reflect, strategize, and connect as we look ahead.”
Dr. Peter Rupert
Robert Costa
Michael McFaul
8
OPEI’S 2025 ANNUAL MEETING IN PARK CITY, UT From left: Cleo Battle, CEO of Louisville Tourism; Bill Goetz; Karen Williams, Director of Development at Equip Exposition; Cynthia Drivas, Partnerships and Development Executive, Hearst Media Production Group; Diane Bennett; Doug Bennett, Executive Vice President, Louisville Tourism; and Kris Kiser, President of OPEI and Equip Exposition.
JW Ma io Savannah
Plant Riverside Dis ict in Savannah, Ge gia
June 22-24, 2026
OPPAA HOSTS 40TH ANNUAL MEETING, NAMES NEW BOARD MEMBERS
Since 1986, the Outdoor Power Parts & Accessories Association has been dedicated to promoting the growth and availability of high-quality replacement parts and acces- sories for the outdoor power equipment industry. The organization has been managed by OPEI since 2010. In recognition of this milestone, OPPAA welcomed nearly 100 attendees in Orlando, Florida, January 24-26, 2026, to celebrate its 40th Anniversary. The Annual Meeting served as both a celebration of the industry’s legacy and a forward-looking forum focused on the future of outdoor power equipment. A dynamic curation of speakers delivered strategic insights spanning applied artificial intelligence, market and retail trends, regulatory developments, and long-term business planning that equipped members with tools to navigate the evolving business environment. Networking and relationship building re- mained central to the anniversary celebration. The event highlighted the strength of OPPAA’s member community while supporting the out- door power parts and accessories industry.
The Annual Meeting also brought new perspectives to its Board of Directors that represents more than 40 leading organizations across the industry supply chain, including manufacturers, parts companies, and distributors. OPPAA remains committed to protecting the interests of its members while supporting a healthy and sustainable network. The 2026-2027 elected officers include: President: Rick Jackson, Oregon Tool Vice President: Shawn Carothers, Toro Secretary/Treasurer: John Walker, Dometic Immediate Past President: Jim Depolo, VP Racing Fuels Director: Todd Geyer, Gardner Inc. Director: Chris Roessler, Rotary Director: Craig Smith, Stens Director: Darold Dunham, Power Distributors Director: Ryan Koch, Rehlko Director: Carissa Gingras, Briggs & Stratton
Director: Dan Jernberg, Whirltronics Observer: Dave Johnson, Constellation
MARKET DATA REMAINS OPEI PRIORITY
Market Statistics Forum
The week of March 2 OPEI is set to release its next quarterly update of the industry consensus forecast of U.S. and Canadian OPE shipments. The current forecast projects activity for calendar years 2026-2027. In 2025 OPEI began working with the Indianapolis- based Farnsworth Group as its new third-party partner for forecasting, transitioning from its long-term partner The Stevenson Company. While the first priority has been continuity of member services, the opportunity has now shifted towards an evaluation of possible improvements, prioritizing member
engagement, processes and methodology, and statistical deliverables. This OPEI program has been of particular importance since 2019 as markets have experienced extraordinary external and internal forces. As the foundation of the OPEI’s forecasting capabilities, the association works with its D.C.-based third- party Vault Consulting, a firm specializing in the facilitation of association-led industry data programs, to conduct monthly member data collection and aggregate report publication. These services are proprietary to OPEI members. This year the association’s
member Market Statistics Committee, which oversees these programs, will be meeting March 5 at the OPEI/equip offices in Louisville, and October 7-8 at the OPEI offices in Alexandria. As part of the fall meeting OPEI will also welcome all members to the annual market statistics forum. If you have questions about access to report(s) or direct member involvement, please contact OPEI staff.
10
MEMBER REPORT
OPEI MAINTAINS ADVOCACY FOCUS Consistent with past political transitions in Washington and their pendulum-like shifts in policy, OPEI and its member committees have remained focused on consistent and merit-
OPEI CANADA’S EPR PLAN APPROVED BY BC MINISTRY
transparent due process towards fair and relatively free trade policies. As the seemingly chaotic 2025 transitions into 2026, the focus will be on the pending U.S. Supreme Court verdict over whether the entire reciprocal tariff construct is constitutional under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). While the verdict will determine whether policy continues through numerous bilateral negotiations or instead turn to alternate legal authority (e.g. Section 122, 232, 301, 338), predictions are that administration policy and strategy will continue to rely on a high degree of uncertainty. Also of priority is the 2026 reset of the U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA) and potential changes to the terms of North American trade. The U.S. government has already collected broad stakeholder input on the future of USMCA and has received consistent feedback from the business community in support of maintaining an enforceable trilateral agreement. EPA INVITES OPEI TO DISCUSS BATTERY EPR FRAMEWORK
The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute of Canada received is extended producer responsibility plan approval on Oct. 17, from the British Columbia
Ministry of Environment & Parks for proper recycling management of Battery and Electric Outdoor Power Equipment. Under the British Columbia EPR framework, obligated producers are accountable for the full lifecycle of their products. This approval is the result of collaboration between OPEIC, the Ministry and our dedicated industry participants to ensure obligated products are properly managed at the product’s end-of-life. Together, we’ve developed a practical and forward-looking framework for recycling products in alignment with provincial regulations and recycling standards. Learn more about the British Columbia EPR framework, how producers can get involved, and to view the approved stewardship plan by visiting here. UPCOMING MEMBER MEETINGS Feb. 17 – OPEI Legal & Regulatory Committee – OPEI Office, Alexandria, VA Feb. 19 – OPEI Consumer Riding Mower Working Group – OPEI Office, Alexandria, VA March 5 – OPEI Market Statistics Committee – Equip Office, Louisville, KY June 22-24 – OPEI Annual Meeting – Savannah, GA June 24 – OPEI Board Meeting – Savannah, GA Sept. 30 – OPEI Legal & Regulatory Compliance Committee – OPEI Office, Alexandria, VA Oct. 7-8 – OPEI Market Statistics Committee – OPEI Office, Alexandria, VA Oct. 20-23 – Equip Exposition – Louisville, KY
based policy positions. This is despite the seemingly extraordinary developments in the government and the opportunities and/or challenges which they may create. As examples, key regulators like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission have transitioned to fundamentally different leadership and policy priorities, and in some cases altered governance and procedural structures. Nevertheless, OPEI has continued to advance data-based advocacy towards compliance with all environmental and product safety regulation and policy changes with potential to make improvements. This consistency is also employed before state governments where the challenge is more about the disparities across state lines, where there is no preemptive federal law. Member professionals interested in OPEI policy committee work, including legal & regulatory, battery & electric products, and engine & fuels, should contact OPEI staff for more information. OPEI policy committees hold their next round of bi-annual meetings at the OPEI offices in Alexandria, VA, Feb. 16-18. OPEI FOLLOWING UNCERTAIN TRADE AGENDA Since January 2025 OPEI has worked to help advise members on changes to federal trade policy relying on both third-party experts and the coalition services of allied associations including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Manufacturers, the National Foreign Trade Council, and the National Retail Federation, to name a few. While industry consensus positions on substantive tariff proposals remain difficult and infrequent, the industry is instead focused on opportunities to argue for objective and
OPEI recently attended an in-person discussion held by the Environmental Pro- tection Agency, regarding their work on a guidance document for “Battery Collection Best Practices
and Battery Labeling Guidelines” and develop- ment on an extended producer responsibility Regulatory Framework. The meeting reviewed many considerations from including products that contain nonre- moveable lithium-based batteries into the potential scope, funding models with possible ecomodulation fees, to reporting and battery labeling. In preparation, OPEI coordinated messaging with industry stakeholder’s to highlight national EPR framework consider- ations — focusing on portable and medium rechargeable Lithium based batteries — and manufacturer responsibilities. With an empha- sis for a unified federal approach the goal is to ensure consistency across all states, reduce compliance burdens on manufacturers and provide clear guidance to consumers. The EPA is expected to submit their battery EPR recom- mendations to Congress by summer of 2026.
11
OPEI SEEKS STANDARD DEVELOPMENT STAKEHOLDERS
Are you interested in participating in the development of U.S. and international OPE standards? OPEI is seeking stakeholders to participate on consensus bodies and U.S. Technical Advisory Groups for standards development activities. Contact Greg Knott, Senior Vice President of Standards and Regulatory Affairs, at gknott@opei.org for standard development participation information. Learn more about OPEI standards at https://www.opei.org/ services/product-safety-standards/product-standards-listing/.
STANDARDS IN DEVELOPMENT OPEI HAS INITIATED THE FOLLOWING NEW AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD PROJECTS:
Addendum to ANSI/OPEI B175.1 – Standard for Outdoor Power Equipment – Internal Combustion Engine-Powered Chain Saws – Safety and Environmental Requirements – Sample Chain Saw for Testing ¼” Pitch Replacement Saw Chains
Revision of ANSI/OPEI B175.2-2012 (R2019) – American National Standard for Outdoor Power Equipment – Internal Combustion Engine-Powered Handheld and Backpack Blowers and Blower-Vacuums – Safety Requirements and Performance Testing Procedures
Revision of ANSI/OPEI B175.7 – 2019 – American National Standard for Outdoor Power Equipment – Internal Combustion Engine- Powered Hand-Held Pole Mounted Pruners – Safety and Environmental Requirements
New Standard OPEI 5395-4 – Standard for Garden Equipment – Safety Requirements for Combustion-Engine Powered Lawnmowers – Part 4: Lawnmowers Other than Cylinder and Rotary Lawnmowers Defined in ANSI/OPEI/ISO 5395-2 and -3
New Standard OPEI 5395-5 – Standard for Garden Equipment – Safety Requirements for Combustion-Engine Powered Lawnmowers – Part 5: Other Powered Ground-Supported Turf Care Equipment
New Standard OPEI-1 – Outdoor Power Equipment Institute Standard for – Electronic Accessibility of Regulatory and Standard Compliance Information
THE FOLLOWING OPEI/ANSI AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARDS WERE RECENTLY PUBLISHED:
ANSI/OPEI B71.10-2025, American National Standard for Off-Road Ground-Supported Outdoor Power Equipment – Gasoline Fuel Systems – Performance Specifications and Test Procedures ANSI/OPEI B175.1-2025, American National Standard for Outdoor Power Equipment – Internal Combustion Engine-Powered Hand- Held Chain Saws – Safety and Environmental Requirements
THE FOLLOWING OPEI/ANSI AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARDS WERE RECENTLY REAFFIRMED:
ANSI/OPEI B175.6-2018 (R2024) – American National Standard for Outdoor Power Equipment – Internal Combustion Engine-Powered Hand-Held Hedge Trimmers – Safety and Environmental Requirements
ANSI/OPEI B71.7 – 2016 (R2025) – American National Standard for Powered Consumer Ram-Type Log Splitters – Safety Specifications
ANSI/OPEI B71.8 – 2016 (R2025) – American National Standard for Powered Walk-Behind Rotary Tillers and Hand-Supported Cultivators – Safety Specifications
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Creator