NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) - The Environmental Protection Agency is set to implement new emission standards for lawn mowers in an effort to reduce pollution and save gas, according to an article published Monday.

The new regulations, which have not formally been proposed, would affect the estimated 52 million push and riding mowers in the United States, the Wall Street Journal reported.

One possible solution recommended by the EPA would involve adding catalytic converters to mowers, according to the paper, which could cut emission by 35 percent.

Safety officials told the paper, however, that the new equipment could increase the risk of fires or burns, although the EPA contested that claim.

The EPA estimates the average push mower gives off as much pollution per hour as 11 automobiles, while commercial mowers emit the equivalent of 34 vehicles over the same period of time, according to the paper.

If changes are made, consumers could get pinched, the Journal reported.

Briggs & Stratton Corp. (Research), which manufactures engines for outdoor equipment, told the paper the new regulations would increase the retail price of lawn mowers by 31 percent and could force companies to move manufacturing overseas.

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