EPA to adopt new emission standards for motorcycles

July 1 -- Federal regulators plan to adopt a new emission testing standard for new motorcycles sold in the United States.

The Environmental Protection Agency plans to adopt new testing procedures adopted by the United Nations World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations. The United States will be among many nations - including Canada, China, France, Germany and Japan - adopting the same standards for improving the environment.

The motorcycle industry also will benefit because of the efficiency gained by having a worldwide standard instead of meeting standards established by individual countries, according to the EPA.

The test procedure was developed by experts from eight nations and the European Commission with input from the motorcycle and emission control technology manufacturing industries.