A proposed law would restrict sales, limit use in residential areas, and push a shift to electric equipment statewide.
Trenton, NJ – A New Jersey Senate bill introduced for the 2026 legislative session would impose sweeping restrictions on gas-powered leaf blowers, including a phased ban on certain models and strict limits on where others can be used. The proposal, sponsored by Senator Bob Smith, aims to curb noise and emissions while encouraging a transition to electric alternatives through tax incentives.
The legislation would prohibit the sale of two-stroke gas-powered leaf blowers within two years of enactment. Within four years, their use would also be banned statewide, alongside new restrictions on four-stroke models, particularly in residential areas.
Key Points
- Bill would ban sale of two-stroke gas leaf blowers within two years
- Residential use of gas-powered blowers would be prohibited after four years
- Tax credit would cover up to 50% of cost to switch to electric equipment
Residential restrictions and seasonal limits
Under the bill, four-stroke gas-powered leaf blowers would be barred entirely from residential areas beginning four years after the law takes effect. Their use would be limited to non-residential zones and only during two seasonal windows: March 15 through May 15 and October 15 through December 15.
The legislation defines “gas-powered leaf blower” as any blower using gasoline or a gasoline-oil mix, and “residential area” broadly to include zones surrounding homes, apartments, and similar dwellings.
Municipalities would still be allowed to adopt stricter local ordinances, a provision that could accelerate changes in towns already considering tighter controls.
Enforcement and penalties outlined
The bill assigns enforcement authority to state and local law enforcement. Commercial violators would face escalating penalties, starting with a warning and rising to fines between $500 and $1,000 per offense. Individual users would face a $25 fine after an initial warning.
Each day a violation continues would count as a separate offense, and penalties collected would be retained by the enforcing agency.
An exemption is included for gas-powered equipment used in pest management applications, and local governments would be barred from restricting that specific use.
Tax credit aims to ease transition
To offset costs, the proposal includes a corporation business tax credit for companies that replace gas-powered blowers with electric models. The credit would cover up to 50% of the purchase cost, including batteries and charging equipment, and would be available for six years.
Applicants would be required to document the purchase and certify that the electric equipment replaced an existing gas-powered blower.
The Department of Environmental Protection would be responsible for implementing regulations and later reporting on whether the tax incentive effectively encouraged the transition.
