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Committee opts for incentives, not a ban, on battery-powered landscape equipment
Summary
After testimony and revision, the committee reported S.P. 319 — concerning battery-powered leaf blowers and similar equipment — favorably to the floor with revised language that removes a ban and contemplates voluntary loan programs to help commercial landscapers convert equipment.
The committee considered S.P. 319, which addresses the use of battery-powered leaf blowers and similar equipment by state and municipal entities. Senator Lopes, speaking for the bill’s sponsors, said the s-language removes a ban and instead creates voluntary options and sets up potential programs to provide access to capital for commercial landscape contractors.
“Should they want to move forward to electric equipment, they can get access to capital, get a loan to purchase that equipment or lease that equipment,” Senator Lopes said, describing a low-interest loan idea previously discussed. Several members said the ban was removed in response to testimony from contractors and that the substitute language is intended to create options without mandating equipment changes for working landscapers.
Opponents said the technology is not yet sufficiently reliable for all uses and that rural users and contractors who lack reliable power need options. A committee member from a rural district described repeated power outages and said forcing a full conversion to electric equipment could harm small operators.
The committee voted to report the bill JFS to the floor and recorded a roll call; sponsors said they will continue to craft the incentive and financing details as the bill proceeds.
