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Heated public hearing on leaf blower exemption draws hundreds of residents, landscapers and advocates
Summary
Montgomery County’s July 15 public hearing drew hours of divided testimony on Expedited Bill 19-25, which would allow a seasonal, temporary exemption for professional landscape contractors to use gasoline-powered leaf blowers during the fall.
Montgomery County residents, landscapers, health advocates and business groups filled the council’s July 15 public hearing to debate Expedited Bill 19-25, which would create a seasonal exemption for professional landscape contractors to use gasoline-powered leaf blowers during specified months and set a sunset for the exemption.
The county executive’s office, represented by Tricia Swanson, told the council the executive opposes the seasonal exemption. "While the county executive is opposed to the seasonal exemption, he does strongly support relooking at the enforcement provision," Swanson said, noting the county had invested in a rebate program and outreach to support the original phased ban.
Speakers opposing the exemption included climate and public-health advocates…
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