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State debate over phasing out gas leaf blowers pits public‑health advocates against landscapers
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Summary
SB 319 would phase out gas‑powered handheld and backpack leaf blowers over several years while creating rebate and loan programs. Public‑health and environmental groups urged passage; many landscapers, golf course superintendents and small businesses asked for more study and targeted incentives to avoid disruption.
SB 319 would phase in a prohibition on sale and use of handheld and backpack gas leaf blowers, with state agencies leading by example first and a proposed statewide ban on use by 2030. Supporters — including doctors, public‑health organizations, environmental groups and municipalities that already adopted local restrictions — cited research on toxic exhaust and noise harms and urged the committee to approve funding mechanisms, rebate programs and Green Bank loans to assist transition.
Opponents — especially small commercial landscapers, golf course superintendents and trade groups — argued the bill, as drafted, would impose large upfront capital costs (multiple batteries and chargers per crew), create runtime and charging logistics that reduce productivity, and could increase operating costs or require more labor. Several requested a study group to design grants, equipment‑exchange programs and targeted exemptions for large or specialized operations.
DEEP and other agencies said they were open to rebate and loan ideas but flagged technical questions about enforcement, exemptions and the scope of what would be regulated.
What happens next: Committee members asked for stakeholder working sessions; some urged pilot programs and expanded rebate language; others favored moving the bill with clearer transition funding.
