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Council hears health, noise and equity trade-offs as staff studies phase-out of gas-powered landscaping equipment
Summary
Staff presented health and noise evidence, local survey results, and Portland—9s forthcoming leaf-blower rules; residents and councilors were divided, with 55% resident support shown in a city survey but repeated calls for incentives and careful enforcement to protect small landscapers.
City staff gave a half-year update on the council—9s two-year goal to develop an operational plan, potential code options, and a communications strategy to phase out gas-powered yard and lawn equipment.
"Gas powered lawn equipment produces significant air pollution that is harmful to both human health and the environment," Sustainability Program Manager Amanda Watson told the council, listing volatile organic compounds and other pollutants emitted by two-stroke engines and noting special risks for landscaping workers, children and people with respiratory conditions.
Parks Interim Director Jeff Monroe described the city—9s operational experience converting municipal fleets. "Electric is more expensive," Monroe said, adding the department—9s field tests showed heavier batteries, shorter run times and lower blowing force for some electric blowers compared with high‑power gas models. He described a November example when electric blowers did not clear wet needles quickly after a storm and crews used gas machines to meet safety and event timelines.
Staff summarized benchmarking and stakeholder outreach: a separate, nonstatistical landscaping-equipment survey produced 397 resident/property-owner responses and 23 landscaper responses; the city also conducted focus groups and targeted outreach to large property owners. On a community-survey question, 55% of respondents supported regulations phasing out gas-powered yard and lawn equipment while 45% opposed; residents favored educational efforts (62%) and business incentives (56%) over immediate bans.
The presentation reviewed Portland—9s phased approach: a leaf-blower-focused ordinance passed in 2024; Portland proposes a seasonal ban beginning Jan. 1, 2026 (Jan–Sept prohibition with Oct–Dec limited allowance for wet-leaf season) and full year-round prohibition in 2028, backed by a Multnomah County incentive program and a recent $1 million grant to support conversion by small landscape contractors.
Councilors voiced a range of views. Councilor Raff called the proposal an overreach and urged caution with enforcement and impacts on small businesses; Councilor Afghan, Councilor Verdict and others emphasized workplace health risks and supported an eventual ban while pressing for financial assistance and careful enforcement design to avoid harming small landscapers. Staff recommended continuing targeted outreach to landscapers and large property owners, monitoring Portland—9s implementation, increasing education about alternatives and considering incentive programs before pursuing strict enforcement.
No ordinance vote was held. Council signaled consensus on continued outreach, education, and piloting incentive options while watching Portland—9s rollout before deciding on local regulatory steps.
