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Council votes 4–3 to codify transition to zero-emission leaf blowers for county equipment
Summary
The council passed Bill 85-25 to codify an executive order phasing county-owned landscaping equipment to zero-emission (electric) leaf blowers over five years. Debate focused on battery runtime, replacement cost estimates and whether codification limits future flexibility.
The Anne Arundel County Council on Nov. 3 adopted an ordinance (Bill 85-25) to codify an existing county executive order that phases the county’s owned leaf blowers to zero-emission (electric) models over five years.
Sponsor Miss Radbien said the ordinance simply formalizes steps the county has already begun under an executive order and would be implemented through attrition and procurement. Ethan Hunt, representing the administration, said the executive branch supports codifying the executive order.
The public and council discussion centered on equipment capability, battery runtime and fiscal impact. Council members and department representatives described the county’s planned phased approach and the availability of vendor models up to 60 volts. Central services director Susan Harrold said departments are expected to replace equipment through attrition and that battery storage and charging logistics will be purchased as needed.
Several council members and speakers pressed for numbers. Council member Volke said he calculated a potential net cost around $250,000–$300,000 to fully replace the fleet; administration and central services described that figure as consistent with department estimates for equipment replacement. Officials said the county fleet includes roughly 124 units (about 115 backpack units) and that precise electricity cost increases could not yet be estimated.
Members of the public and private landscapers gave operational testimony. One resident said, "It's a $380,000 investment to replace an $86,000 investment," and another referenced Consumer Reports findings about short battery runtimes for lightweight models. Supporters — including the sponsor and council members who voted aye — pointed to environmental and health benefits and described the five-year phase-in as a testbed that would provide data for further action.
After public comment and deliberation, the council voted 4–3 to pass Bill 85-25. The roll call recorded Ayes: Smith, Pickard, Radbien and Hummer; Nays: Volke, Fiedler and Ledbetter.
