New York bill proposes rebates for electric landscaping equipment to reduce emissions

A new bill aimed at reducing gas emissions and improving air quality in New York has sparked significant discussion in the state Senate. The proposed legislation introduces a rebate program for electric landscaping equipment, targeting landscaping companies and municipalities, but notably excludes individual homeowners from eligibility.

Senator Krueger, the bill's sponsor, emphasized the environmental benefits of transitioning from gas-powered to electric equipment, citing alarming statistics that gas-powered lawn tools produced nearly 1.4 million tons of climate pollution in 2020—equivalent to the emissions from over 300,000 cars. The bill aims to mitigate these emissions while also addressing noise pollution, which has been a growing concern among residents.

Funding for the rebate program is expected to come from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). This flexibility in funding was highlighted during the session, with discussions around the potential for NYSERDA to allocate funds for this initiative without burdening ratepayers.

While the bill has garnered support from various municipalities and organizations, questions arose regarding the exclusion of individual users from the rebate program. Senator Krueger clarified that the focus is on commercial landscaping businesses and public entities, as they are the primary users of the equipment eligible for rebates.

The legislation specifies that eligible equipment includes electric lawnmowers, hedge trimmers, leaf blowers, and even snow blowers, but does not extend to corded electric devices. This decision was made based on the types of equipment typically used by institutional users, which tend to favor battery-operated models.

As the bill moves forward, it aims to not only enhance air quality and reduce noise but also to promote a shift towards more sustainable landscaping practices across New York State. The anticipated outcomes include improved public health and a significant reduction in environmental impact from landscaping activities.