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Council refers proposed ban on gas leaf blowers to Public Health, Safety & Environment committee
Summary
A proposed ordinance to restrict gas-powered leaf blowers was referred to the council's public health committee after several councilors and public speakers raised environmental and implementation concerns including exemptions for city departments.
The Salem City Council on March 13 voted to refer a proposed ordinance restricting gas-powered leaf blowers to the Community on Public Health, Safety and the Environment for further review.
Public comment and council discussion focused on noise, air pollution, worker health and implementation logistics. A number of residents urged the council to move forward with restrictions; a public speaker, Bellin, described early-morning noise and safety hazards when leaves are blown onto bike paths. Another commenter criticized the proposal’s proposed exemption for city departments, saying it would be “hypocritical” for the city to allow its own crews to continue using gas-powered blowers while regulating residents and contractors.
Councilors said they had researched ordinance models in other municipalities and sought a phased, practical approach. Councilor Davis, who brought the order, said the draft followed other communities that include phased compliance periods and noted department storage and emergency-cleanup concerns that influenced the plan. Councilor Merkel, a co-sponsor, said the committee would examine compliance timelines and possible inclusion of city departments when battery technology and procurement plans allow.
Outcome: The council voted to send the proposed ordinance to committee for detailed review; the committee referral passed during the meeting. Committee hearings will examine implementation timelines, exemptions, departmental transition costs and possible phased compliance windows.
