WASHINGTON — Lawnmowers will be getting a bit greener under new rules issued today by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The regulations call for a 35 percent emissions reduction from new gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment beginning in 2011.  In 2010, big emission reductions will also be required for speedboats and other recreational watercraft.

The head of the National Association of Clean Air Agencies says the resulting reductions will be the equivalent of removing one out of every five cars and trucks on the road.

The EPA says about 190 million gallons of gasoline will be saved each year when the new rules take effect. Also, more than 300 premature deaths would be prevented annually.

The EPA estimates the changes will cost about 236 million dollars a year. That will likely be made up by consumers in the form of more expensive lawnmowers and other machines.