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S6877Senate2015-2016 Session

Prohibits gasoline powered leaf and lawn blowers in the city of New York

Sponsor Tony AvellaSD-11Affects Local Government
Status
In Senate Committee
Cities
Impact
Pending
Passage
Pending

Bill progress

Step 2 of 7

In committee · Cities

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Who cares

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Sponsors

Primary sponsor
Tony Avella

Senator · Senate District 11

Chair, Ethics

No co-sponsors yet.

History

  1. Referred to cities

Full text

The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.

Sponsor's memo

Title of bill

An act to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to prohibiting the use of power leaf and lawn blowers

Purpose

Prohibits gasoline powered leaf and lawn blowers in the city of New York.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 of this bill amends the administrative code of the city of New York by adding a new section 17-126 which states that no person shall operate a gasoline powered leaf and lawn blower for any purpose and that any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be subject to a civil fine of not more than one hundred dollars.

Section 2 of this bill states that this act shall take effect immediately.

Justification

Gasoline-powered leaf blowers are not only noisy, but bad for the environment and for our health. The two-stroke engine found in many models creates for a major environmental hazard. That engine is used frequently because it is lightweight and cheap. However, the engine emits a number of air pollutants, including carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides and hydrocarbons in large quantities. These gases contribute to smog, are known as carcinogenic, and can cause acid rain. Further, these engines have been shown to emit contaminants comparable to large automobiles. For example, in 2011 a test by the car experts at Edmunds showed that a consumer-grade leaf blower emits more pollutants than a 6,200-pound 2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor.

Organizations, such as a the American Lung Association, are concerned with the health implications of the wide-spread use of these devices. Leaf blowers can stir up irritating allergens and toxins like mold, feces and dried urine, and a myriad of chemicals used on yards and gardens-which can remain airborne for hours.

This bill would ban the use of gasoline powered leaf blowers in the city of New York to curb air pollution and protect the health of residents.

Legislative history

New Bill.

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect after 30 days.

Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.