Gas powered leaf blowers, lawnmowers, edgers, and other tools are on the chopping block in New Jersey, but one bill introduced this week seeks to get the state going in that direction ahead of an all-out ban.
Within four years, the sale of gas-powered leaf blowers is expected to be banned in New Jersey. Now, New Jersey is softening the ground for a future ban on even more gas-powered landscaping tools in the form of a rebate.
New Jersey’s Assembly Bill No. 1939 directs the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to establish a rebate program encouraging the purchase of electric-powered or battery-powered leaf blowers. Sponsored by Assembly members Lisa Swain and Clinton Calabrese, the bill aims to reduce the environmental and health impacts associated with gas-powered leaf blowers, which are known to emit significant pollutants like carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides, and hydrocarbons.
According to the bill, “these pollutants contribute to smog, acid rain, and have been linked to occupational health risks, including hearing loss and respiratory issues.”
The bill recognizes that gas-powered leaf blowers, particularly those with two-stroke engines, produce high levels of emissions.
For example, an hour of use with a typical gas-powered blower can produce the same amount of carbon monoxide as eight hours of automobile use. Beyond pollution, the bill highlights the noise pollution and the airborne particles stirred up by these blowers, which can include allergens, dust, and other harmful substances.
In response, the bill promotes the adoption of lithium-ion battery-powered alternatives. These electric leaf blowers generate zero emissions, lower noise levels, and are seen as an environmentally friendly option.
The BPU is tasked with determining funding, eligibility criteria, and the application process for the rebates, with the program being advertised alongside other clean energy incentives from the New Jersey Clean Energy Program.
This initiative reflects growing efforts to encourage sustainable and eco-friendly landscaping tools, reducing both environmental impact and health risks associated with traditional gas-powered devices.
