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Acton Select Board presents Article 32 to phase out two-cycle gas leaf blowers
Summary
The Select Board presented Article 32, a proposed bylaw that would phase out two-cycle gas-powered leaf blowers in the Town of Acton with a phased prohibition beginning in 2027 and a full ban in 2028; enforcement and storm waivers would be at the town manager's discretion.
David Martin, a member of the Select Board, presented Article 32, a proposed bylaw to transition the Town of Acton away from two-cycle gas-powered leaf blowers.
The proposal would prohibit two-cycle gas leaf blowers with a phased schedule: a partial prohibition taking effect in 2027 that would allow gas-powered blowers only during two cleanup periods (mid-March through May and mid-September through December), followed by a full prohibition on all gas-powered leaf blowers starting in 2028. The bylaw would allow the town manager to decide which departments enforce the rule and to waive the restriction for cleanup after a hurricane or severe storm.
Martin described resident complaints about noise and pollution that led to the proposal. "Regulation typically limits leaf blowers to 75 decibels at 50 feet distance. However, the noise is an order of magnitude louder for the operator. There is a risk of hearing damage over 75 decibels," he said. He also said the "biggest pollutants from 2 cycle engines are unburned hydrocarbons and smoke. Both can cause cancer," and emphasized commercial operators' exposure during long workdays.
Under the proposed enforcement approach, violations would begin with a warning and could escalate to fines of up to $300. The proposal specifies that four-cycle "rolling" leaf blowers would not be regulated by this bylaw. The town manager would have authority to assign enforcement and to grant storm-related waivers.
Martin argued battery-electric blowers are a viable alternative: "Battery electric leaf blowers are easily available, competitively priced, and work as well as gas powered." He noted operating costs for battery models are much lower over time, that multiple battery purchases are a one-time or recurring small cost for landscapers, and that landscapers already are adopting electric equipment. He also acknowledged concerns from some landscapers who said they might need to raise fees or go out of business if they could not use gas-powered units.
Article 32 is recommended by the Select Board and the Green Advisory Board, Martin said. The transcript of this presentation does not record a final vote on the bylaw during the meeting.
