What's happening
This bill bans the use of gas-powered leaf and lawn blowers in New York from May 1 to September 30, with a $100 fine for violations.
Why it matters
Air quality and public health. By restricting gas-powered blowers during warmer months, the bill aims to reduce localized air pollution and emissions of pollutants like nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, which are linked to respiratory and cardiovascular health risks, especially for children, seniors, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Noise pollution reduction. Gas-powered blowers are significant sources of urban and suburban noise, particularly during spring and summer when outdoor activities are more common. The ban could lead to quieter neighborhoods, improving quality of life and reducing stress.
Impact on landscaping practices and businesses. Landscaping companies and property owners will need to adjust their equipment and practices, potentially shifting toward electric or manual blowers. This could involve initial costs and operational changes, but may also stimulate demand for cleaner technologies.
Enforcement and compliance. The $100 fine for violations creates a clear incentive for compliance but also places responsibility on local authorities to enforce the ban, which could raise questions about consistency and fairness in application.
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Who cares
Landscaping and lawn-care businesses
The bill would prohibit their use of gas-powered leaf and lawn blowers from May 1 through September 30.
Homeowners and tenants who use gas-powered blowers
They would face a civil fine of up to $100 for operating the equipment during the prohibited months.
Municipal grounds crews and property managers
The ban would cover their use of gas-powered leaf and lawn blowers for any purpose during the restricted period.
Headline styles
Ban Summer Gas Leaf Blowers
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to health
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
7599
IN SENATE
January 29, 2020
Introduced by Sen. LIU -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Health
AN ACT to amend the public health law, in relation to prohibiting the use of gas-powered leaf and lawn blowers during certain months
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The public health law is amended by adding a new section 1300-d to read as follows:
§ 1300-d. Gas-powered leaf and lawn blowers. No person shall operate a gas-powered leaf and lawn blower for any purpose between May first and September thirtieth. Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be subject to a civil fine of not more than one hundred dollars.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall have become a law.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD14867-01-0
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the public health law, in relation to prohibiting the use of gas-powered leaf and lawn blowers during certain months
Purpose or general idea of bill
To prohibit the use of gas-powered leaf and lawn blowers from May first and September thirtieth.
Justification
Gas-powered leaf blowers pollute the environment in 3 ways: exhaust emissions, noise, and particulates/dust blown into the air.
Per the Department of Environmental Conservation website: "Emissions from gas powered leaf blowers are substantial. The amount of CO (carbon monoxide) emitted from a typical backpack leaf blower for just 1 hour is equal to CO coming from the tailpipe of a current year automobile oper- ating for over 8 hours. For the other pollutants, the amounts are even greater."
"Leaf blowers push 300 to 700 cubic feet of air per minute at 150 to 280 MPH. The resulting dust can contain PM2.5 and PM10 particles including pollen and mold, animal feces, heavy metals, and chemicals from herbi- cides and pesticides."
"While more modern leaf blowers are available with ratings of 65 dB or lower at 50 feet, many that are on the market still exceed 70 dB at 50 ft. A leaf blower rated at 70 dB at 50 feet may generate noise levels over 105 dB at the operator's ears."
Much of the work done by gas powered leaf and lawn blowers is often unnecessary, and can be done by more environmentally friendly tools, such as a mulching mower.
This bill aims to cut down on the careless usage of leaf blowers by restricting its usage as a landscaping tool in the non-fall months.
Prior legislative history
New Bill
Fiscal implications for state and local governments
None
Effective date
This act shall take effect immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.