Woodside council approves Acterra rebate program, debates ban on gas leaf blowers

WOODSIDE, Calif. — The Woodside Town Council on Sept. 10 approved an agreement with local nonprofit Acterra and authorized the town manager to accept Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE) grant funding to launch an Electric Gardening Rebate and Incentive Program aimed at helping residents and landscapers switch from gas to electric gardening equipment.

Council members voted unanimously to approve the Acterra agreement and grant authorization after staff detailed program mechanics, budget items and eligibility criteria. Brandy, the staff presenter, said the program includes an Acterra administration fee (listed in the staff packet as $12,000) and would be funded primarily by PCE, which staff said has allocated up to $112,915 for the town’s use. Brandy told the council a $250 rebate should cover the cost of a basic residential electric blower, while professional-grade electric backpack blowers can cost about $1,500 and may be eligible for higher rebate amounts for qualifying…