EAC urges Narberth to align with Lower Merion on phasing out gas-powered leaf blowers
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Summary
The Environmental Advisory Committee presented research on health and pollution harms from gas-powered two‑stroke landscaping equipment and recommended phasing out gas equipment or mirroring Lower Merion Township’s phased restrictions, which staff described with start dates through 2029.
Joe Toscana, member of Narberth’s Environmental Advisory Committee, summarized research on Oct. 10 showing that two‑stroke, gas-powered landscaping equipment emits pollutants that contribute to local air pollution and pose health risks to operators and nearby residents.
Toscana told the committee such equipment releases greenhouse gases, carbon monoxide, particulate matter and nitrogen oxides, and that some emissions are linked to respiratory illness. The committee heard that electric landscaping equipment and nonpowered approaches (for example, mulching leaves in place) reduce these harms and are increasingly used by municipal public-works departments.
The EAC recommended a phase-out approach to allow homeowners and commercial landscape contractors time to transition. Committee members discussed following nearby Lower Merion Township’s timetable; staff summarized that Lower Merion staff proposed seasonal restrictions beginning May 1, 2026, expanded restrictions in 2028, and a year‑round restriction effective Jan. 1, 2029, under the modified proposal reported at a recent Lower Merion meeting.
Committee members said aligning with Lower Merion would make enforcement and contractor compliance simpler across municipal boundaries. Several members urged staff to have the township solicitor or staff draft an ordinance to mirror Lower Merion rather than re‑drafting locally.
Next steps: EAC and borough staff will continue coordinating, and staff will share Lower Merion draft language and the EAC’s template ordinance for committee review.
