Providence committee approves ordinance to phase out gas-powered leaf blowers, sets enforcement and transitional rules

The Providence City Special Committee on Environment Resiliency on Wednesday approved an ordinance to restrict and phase out gas-powered leaf blowers, the committee chair said.

The ordinance, an amendment to Chapter 12 of the Code of Ordinances (Health and Sanitation), narrows the prohibition to leaf blowers powered by internal-combustion engines, carves out seasonal windows for limited use beginning in 2027, shifts fines to property owners rather than operators, and was amended during the meeting to correct an effective date to Jan. 1, 2027.

Councilwoman Sue Vanderbla, chair of the committee, told members the ordinance was developed after public hearings and meetings with landscapers and advocates. "I also wanted to publicly express gratitude to all the advocates who came out to our public hearing that happened this spring," Vanderbla said, and she said the measure attempts to balance environmental and public-health concerns with small-business impacts. She said gas-powered leaf blowers are "incredibly toxic for the environment" and cited air and noise impacts affecting residents and workers.

Under the version the committee approved, the prohibition applies only to blowers with internal-combustion engines that use gasoline or similar fuels; the draft had earlier included broader language that would have covered other types of yard equipment but was narrowed in response to stakeholder input. The ordinance also contains a phased approach: beginning in 2027 gas-powered blowers may be restricted to a limited fall window rather than allowed year-round, reflecting testimony from landscapers that existing electric equipment lacks sufficient power for certain autumn tasks. The committee identified the ordinance language had an inconsistent date (one paragraph listed 01/01/2028), and members voted to amend the text to set the effective date to 01/01/2027.

The committee clarified enforcement language to place fines on property owners when gas-powered blowers are used on their premises, rather than automatically fining the service provider. Vanderbla said the change was intended to cover both residents using gas blowers themselves and customers who hire services that use gas equipment.

Vanderbla said the Office of Energy Resources has made changes to a state incentive program to increase eligibility and streamline application rules for blower replacement grants. She said a previously authorized $250,000 program had been undersubscribed, was due to sunset June 30, and advocates worked with state officials and legislators to extend and broaden it so municipalities and nonprofits can also apply. The committee discussion noted landscapers had reported the earlier program provided only limited support (for example, insufficient battery replacements for business needs), and the state adjustments were intended to make the incentive more usable for small businesses and other entities.

Committee members moved a substitution and then an amendment to correct the ordinance's effective date; the final motion to approve the ordinance as amended passed by voice vote. Specific roll-call vote counts were not recorded in the meeting transcript.

A separate item that would amend Chapter 23 (Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places) relating to utility premises was discussed but continued to a future meeting while the policy director worked on additional amendments. The chair said she would follow up with scheduling details.

The ordinance now moves forward from the committee with the changes approved by the members present.