Narberth EAC approves memo advising Public Health & Safety to pursue phase‑out of gas‑powered leaf blowers

The Narberth Environmental Advisory Council on Oct. 9 approved a memo to the borough's Public Health & Safety committee that recommends minimizing use of gas‑powered leaf blowers and other gas‑powered landscaping equipment.

The memo presents a main recommendation — a phased phase‑out of gas‑powered landscaping equipment that would become a year‑round restriction — and an alternative the council noted to be used if the main option is judged infeasible. The alternative would mirror a proposal by Lower Marion Township that begins with seasonal restrictions and phases to broader prohibitions over time.

The EAC's discussion summarized the council's research on air and health effects of two‑stroke landscaping engines and described actions by other municipalities. Members noted Lower Marion's sustainability committee voted to advertise a proposed ordinance that (as modified) would allow seasonal use in specified months initially, then further restrict use with a three‑phase schedule leading to a year‑round prohibition.

Under the schedule described in the meeting the seasonal approach would permit gas‑powered leaf blower use during limited spring and fall windows (the Lower Marion draft cited March 1–May 1 and Oct. 1–Jan. 1 as examples) if Narberth's commissioners adopt a similar ordinance. If adopted by commissioners this fall, the memo states, an initial phase could begin May 2026; additional restrictions would follow two years after initial adoption, and a full year‑round restriction could take effect in 2029 under the version discussed at the Lower Marion committee meeting.

Council members also discussed alternatives and implementation details: whether the EAC's environmental recommendation should cover only leaf blowers or all gas‑powered landscaping equipment, how long commercial landscapers will need to transition (equipment lifespan and battery ecosystem issues were raised), and exceptions for emergency conditions (force majeure) such as post‑storm cleanup. Members agreed the EAC's role is to recommend what is best from an environmental and public‑health standpoint, while recognizing practical and equity considerations for businesses and residents.

After discussion the EAC approved sending the memo to Public Health & Safety. The vote on the memo was taken by voice; meeting remarks show at least one member said they would abstain during the roll call and at least one member later explicitly said they approved when contacted, so the meeting record reflects committee approval with at least one abstention noted in discussion. The council asked staff and members to add a short note recommending that the committee consider a force‑majeure exception for emergencies (for example, prolonged power outages or storm cleanup) and to clarify timelines for phased transitions so landscapers and residents can plan.

The memo references a sample ordinance from PennEnvironment that the EAC reviewed as a model text; the council asked staff to edit the draft memo to (a) explicitly recommend a two‑year phase‑out for leaf blowers and (b) propose an additional phase‑out schedule for other equipment tied to typical equipment lifespans or other practicable timeframes. The EAC also requested the memo note that alignment with Lower Marion's schedule would simplify regional compliance and reduce cross‑boundary air impacts.

The EAC's action sends the council's technical summary and environmental recommendation to the borough Public Health & Safety committee for consideration and possible drafting of ordinance language. Members said they will circulate the revised memo with the force‑majeure language and timing language and follow up with the committee.