In recent years, the environmental impact of gas-powered lawn equipment has brought about leaf blower bans and other gas-powered lawn equipment concerns for policymakers, environmentalists and communities across the United States. From excessive noise pollution to significant greenhouse gas emissions, traditional lawn equipment is being viewed in a new light. As a result, several states and municipalities have begun implementing bans or restrictions on gas-powered lawn mowers, leaf blowers and similar tools.
Clean Air Lawn Care has been at the forefront of many of these efforts. With franchises across the U.S., Clean Air Lawn Care adopted sustainable, battery-powered equipment as its focus for managing properties. Not only has CALC been a forerunner in the shift away from gas lawn equipment, but in several communities CALC played a significant role in helping implement changes across a broader municipal or even statewide spectrum.
Gas-Powered Lawn Equipment Bans Gain Traction
Gas-powered lawn equipment is often overlooked as a contributor to negative environmental impact, but the numbers are staggering. Consideration for both air pollution and noise pollution are considered when evaluating gas equipment:
- Air Pollution
According to the California Air Resources Board (CARB), operating a gas-powered lawn mower for one hour produces as much smog-producing pollution as driving a car for 300 miles. Given that there are 40 million acres of lawn in the United States (roughly the size of Wisconsin), that is a lot of mowers, blowers and trimmers at work every day – boosting estimates to upwards of 15% of air pollution coming from lawn care equipment.
Not only is smog and air pollution annoying, but the World Health Organization has estimated that nearly 6.7 million people die each year due to air pollution related illnesses.
- Noise Pollution
The high-decibel output of gas-powered tools disrupts neighborhoods and poses risks to hearing health for operators. Gas mowers and blowers can reach a level of 85-100 decibels, equivalent to a food blender up to a jackhammer, respectively. Opting for battery-powered equipment can reduce noise levels by 30% to 50%, with some models coming in less than 65 decibels, which would take noise pollution down to a level of roughly a standard conversation.
That can be important for workers using the equipment for hours a day to preserve their hearing in the long term. The leaf blower ban (in various communities) has been greatly because of the noise pollution. The effect is equally important for homeowners and neighbors, whether it is impacting employees working from home, or the mom taking care of a newborn trying to nap.
Moving Across the Country
With increasing awareness of these issues, coupled with advancements in electric and battery-powered technology, many areas around the country are taking decisive action to curb the use of gas-powered lawn equipment.
California
California has been at the forefront of environmental legislation, and its approach to gas-powered lawn equipment is no exception. In 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill (AB 1346) requiring the California Air Resources Board to phase out the sale of new gas-powered small off-road engines (SOREs) by 2024. This includes equipment like lawn mowers, leaf blowers and chain saws.
Cities such as Los Angeles, Santa Monic, and Berkeley have implemented additional restrictions, including a leaf blower ban on the use of gas-powered blowers during specific hours or altogether. These measures aim to reduce noise and air pollution while encouraging the adoption of greener alternatives.
Seattle
Seattle voted in 2022 to put a leaf blower ban in place for gas-powered blowers from city workers and departments beginning in 2025. The resolution aims to do the same for residential gas blowers by 2027.
As reported in this article by the Seattle Times, councilmember Alex Pedersen sponsored the bill with the aim to reduce both noise and air pollution. The parks department experimented with battery blowers in 2019 and deemed them powerful enough to make the switch. In the five years since then, technology has only continued to improve for both the power and the quality of the batteries.
The issue was approved unanimously by the Sustainability and Renters’ Rights Committee of the Seattle City Council, with the aim to have a full ban in place by 2027 for both city departments and residential use. The resolution was signed by Mayor Bruce Harrell and began phasing in the transition for all new blower purchases by city departments to be electric beginning in July 2023.
At the time of the resolution passing, Seattle had more than 400 gas blowers and would begin phasing in new battery equipment to have more than half of the blowers converted to battery powered by 2025, 75% by 2026 and 100% adoption by 2027.
Clean Air Lawn Care Seattle has been in operation for more than a decade, and owner Denny Rochford has helped guide initiatives to be environmentally conscious throughout the area.
New York
In Westchester County, there are now seasonal restrictions on gas-powered leaf blowers, prohibiting their use during summer months when air quality tends to be worse. This regulation is part of a broader effort to reduce noise and emissions in densely populated areas.
New York City has not yet implemented a comprehensive ban, but advocates are pushing for stronger restrictions. Organizations like New Yorkers for Clean Power continue to lobby for legislation targeting gas-powered lawn equipment.
Washington, D.C., and Surrounding Areas
The nation’s capital is also taking steps to address the issue. In 2018, Washington, D.C., passed the Leaf Blower Regulation Amendment Act, which went into effect in January 2022. The law is a leaf blower ban for the use of gas-powered blowers within city limits, with violators facing fines.
Neighboring jurisdictions, such as Montgomery County, Maryland, are exploring similar measures, reflecting a growing regional commitment to reducing environmental and noise pollution.
Colorado
At the home of Clean Air Lawn Care, CEO Kelly Giard teamed up with Colorado Public Interest Research Group (CoPIRG) to get a statewide 30% reduction in cost of new battery powered equipment. A new regulation will be going into place in 2025 to restrict gas powered equipment during the ozone producing summer months. The incentive works as a point-of -sale cost reduction, negating the need for rebates or cumbersome paperwork. It has proven to be another viable approach to what many deem an increasing issue.
“Since 2006, I have led a nationwide franchise of electric lawn care businesses, headquartered in Fort Collins. Air pollution is terrible in our region, which is one reason I decided to use only electric equipment when launching my business, and why I support policies to restrict the use of small gas-powered equipment,” Giard was quoted as saying in a PIRG article detailing Colorado’s shift to a more environmentally friendly policy.
In Boulder, a focus on environmental issues has led to the city creating a leaf blower ban for gas-powered blowers used commercially. Homeowners are encouraged, though not required, to transition to electric alternatives. Other Colorado cities, such as Denver, are observing Boulder’s initiative as a potential model. There may be additional rebates available through local utility companies, and Boulder County has grant programs that could reimburse up to $10,000 for commercial equipment.
Massachusetts
While Massachusetts has not enacted a statewide leaf blower ban or any gas-powered equipment ban, advocacy groups are working to promote cleaner alternatives. Clean Air Lawn Care Boston’s Owner Pat Lewis is active in the the conversations and working to help move policys forward. The state’s focus on renewable energy and sustainability makes it a prime candidate for future legislation.
The town of Concord, has implemented strict regulations on gas-powered lawn equipment. This includes a leaf blower ban for gas-powered blowers during the summer and winter months, and only allowed during specific hours in spring and fall.
Likewise, Lexington enacted a ban for commercial leaf blowers that will go into effect in March 2025, and it will extend to residential use in 2026.
Hawaii
As an isolated island state, Hawaii’s environmental policies often reflect its unique challenges and priorities. Honolulu has introduced regulations that limit the use of gas-powered leaf blowers, encouraging residents to adopt battery-powered alternatives to protect the islands’ air quality and serene environment.
Minnesota
Minnesota’s focus on reducing noise pollution has led cities like Edina to consider restrictions on gas-powered lawn equipment. While comprehensive bans are not yet in place, local governments are incentivizing homeowners and landscapers to transition to quieter, cleaner electric options.
Texas
Though Texas is not typically associated with environmental regulations, Austin has emerged as a leader in adopting green initiatives. The city provides rebates for residents who replace gas-powered lawn equipment with electric alternatives, signaling a shift towards more sustainable practices.
Illinois
Chicago has launched pilot programs to reduce the use of gas-powered lawn equipment in city maintenance operations. These initiatives are part of a broader effort to cut emissions and noise pollution, and they could pave the way for future regulations targeting private use.
Benefits and Challenges of Gas-Powered Lawn Equipment and Leaf Blower Bans
Benefits:
- Improved Air Quality: Reduced emissions contribute to healthier communities. Emissions from lawn equipment, especially two-stroke engines, contribute to smog producing pollution. Reducing those emissions has an immediate impact on those with lung diseases like asthma or COPD, as well as the young and elderly.
- Noise Reduction: Electric equipment operates significantly quieter than gas-powered tools. That proves beneficial for operators in preserving their hearing long term, but it also benefits neighborhoods and homeowners who can go about day-to-day activities without invasive noise from nearby equipment. This is a major conduit for gas-powered leaf blower bans.
- Economic Opportunities: The growing demand for electric alternatives fosters innovation and job creation in the green tech sector. The cost savings generated over time also tilt the scales in favor of electric vs. the ongoing expense of gas, oil and repairs.
- Environmental Impact: Not only the reduction of air and noise pollution, the shift to battery equipment also reduces gas spills. Americans burn 800 million gallons of gas mowing and trimming their lawn. The EPA estimates 17 million gallons are spilled each year filling lawn equipment, more than was spilled by the Exxon Valdez.
Challenges:
- Cost Barriers: Electric lawn equipment can be expensive upfront, though long-term savings on fuel and maintenance often offset this. As technology improves, not only does the durability of batteries increase, but the cost for new equipment continues to come down.
- Performance Concerns: While electric options are improving, some professionals may argue that they do not yet match the power of gas tools for heavy-duty tasks. This has led to resistance to adopt new technology despite improvements that continually prove to be as powerful and robust as their gas counterparts.
- Resistance to Change: Cultural attachment to traditional tools can slow adoption rates. The more ubiquitous the equipment becomes the easier for commercial operators to become familiar and understand how to troubleshoot, repair and fix new equipment.
Gas-Powered Equipment & Leaf Blower Ban Trends to Watch
As technology advances and the environmental movement gains momentum, the push for gas bans in lawn equipment is expected to accelerate. Key trends include:
- Statewide Legislation: More states are likely to follow California’s lead in adopting comprehensive bans.
- Incentive Programs: Rebates and grants will play a crucial role in encouraging the transition to electric equipment.
- Industry Innovation: Manufacturers are investing in battery technology to produce electric tools that rival or exceed the performance of gas-powered counterparts.
The movement to enfoce a leaf blower ban or banning gas-powered lawn equipment is gaining ground across the United States, driven by a growing awareness of the environmental and health impacts of these tools. From California to Massachusetts, communities are leading the charge, setting an example for others to follow. While challenges remain, the transition to cleaner, quieter and more sustainable lawn care practices is well underway. For homeowners and landscaping professionals alike, now is the time to embrace change and explore the benefits of electric alternatives.
