As fall arrives, many cities and states are moving to ban gas-powered leaf blowers. Over 200 local jurisdictions and several states have enacted bans, imposed restrictions, or offered incentives for consumers and landscapers to switch to electric alternatives. This trend is gaining traction across the country.

Arlington County, Virginia, is currently considering a year-round ban on gas-powered leaf blowers. In New York, a bill to create a rebate program for electric lawn equipment passed the state Senate with bipartisan support but did not advance in the Assembly before the session ended. Advocates are urging Governor Kathy Hochul to include this measure in her 2026 budget.

Proponents of the ban highlight the health risks associated with gas-powered leaf blowers. They argue that the pollution from these devices can lead to serious health issues, including asthma and heart attacks. A letter sent to Governor Hochul on September 10 stated, "It’s estimated that in 2020 alone, gas-powered lawn equipment in New York produced almost 1.4 million tons of climate pollution, the equivalent to the emissions from more than 300,000 cars annually."

Noise pollution is another significant concern. David Masur, executive director of PennEnvironment, noted the disruptive sound of leaf blowers during the fall season. "It's fall, leaves are falling from the trees and there's this incessant whirring of the (leaf blower)... you're trying to keep your windows open and you can smell the gas (and) the smoke," he said. Many people are surprised to learn about the environmental impact of these machines. "People go, 'Holy cow, I didn't realize that little thing can do that much damage,'" Masur added.

The debate over gas-powered leaf blowers is not new. Washington, D.C., passed the Leaf Blower Regulation Amendment Act in 2018, which imposes fines of up to $500 for violations. California has also taken action, enacting a law that bans the sale of new gas-powered leaf blowers and weed whackers starting January 1, 2024.

According to the Public Interest Research Group, various states and cities have implemented bans or restrictions on gas-powered lawn equipment. Home improvement retailers like Home Depot and Lowe's have reduced their inventory of gas-powered tools in favor of electric options.

While many support the transition to electric lawn equipment, there is also pushback. Texas has passed a law preventing local governments from banning gas-powered leaf blowers, aiming to protect the oil and gas industries. Similar legislation has been proposed in Florida.

Despite the opposition, cities such as Dallas, Austin, and Louisville, Kentucky, are offering rebates for electric lawn equipment purchases. States like Colorado, Indiana, Massachusetts, Nebraska, and Wyoming are also providing similar incentives. These rebate programs not only aim to reduce pollution but also support local businesses, including lawn care and landscaping companies.

Several companies, including Ace Hardware and power tool manufacturers Milwaukee Tool and STIHL, have backed the New York rebate measure to help lawn care companies transition to electric equipment.

In Montgomery County, Maryland, a ban on gas-powered leaf blowers was passed in 2023, with the sale of these tools prohibited starting next year and their use banned as of July 1. Councilmember Evan Glass noted that the increased noise pollution during the pandemic, when many people were working from home, was a significant factor in the decision to implement the ban.