Restrictions on gas-powered leaf blowers in the US increase, sparking opposition from landscaping companies

The use of gasoline-powered leaf blowers has come under scrutiny in communities across the United States, with many towns and states considering bans or restrictions due to concerns about noise and pollution. However, there is opposition from the landscaping industry and property owners who argue that battery-powered blowers are not as effective as their gasoline-powered counterparts.

Jessica Stolzberg, an advocate for banning gas-powered leaf blowers, emphasizes the negative impact of these machines on community health. She notes that Montclair, New Jersey, saw positive results after implementing a ban on gas-powered leaf blowers, leading to a cleaner and quieter environment. Despite the benefits, the ban faces legal challenges from landscapers.

New Jersey is among the states exploring a statewide ban on gas-powered leaf blowers, with a proposed bill allowing limited use of four-stroke combustion engine models during peak cleanup periods. This compromise aims to balance the industry’s concerns about performance and increased costs as they transition to battery-powered blowers.

Rich Goldstein, president of the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association, highlights the practical challenges faced by landscapers in New Jersey dealing with an abundance of leaves each fall. He stresses the industry’s willingness to adapt to new regulations while ensuring they can still effectively manage cleanup tasks.

The move towards battery-powered leaf blowers is gaining momentum across the country, with bans or restrictions already in place in various cities. Advocates point out the environmental benefits of reducing pollution caused by gas-powered blowers, which are considered a significant source of emissions.

While the transition to battery-powered blowers presents challenges in terms of costs and performance, industry stakeholders are open to gradual changes. Financial assistance programs and extended transition periods could help ease the burden on landscapers and encourage the development of more powerful battery-powered models in the future.

Ultimately, the shift towards cleaner and quieter landscaping practices is seen as essential in addressing environmental concerns and improving the quality of life in communities. Despite initial challenges, the industry is ready to adapt and embrace more sustainable practices for the benefit of both the environment and residents.