San Carlos approves $30,000 pilot rebate to encourage switch to electric leaf blowers

San Carlos’ City Council on Feb. 23 adopted a resolution authorizing a $30,000 pilot rebate program to help residents and commercial landscapers switch from gas‑powered leaf blowers to electric equipment.

Senior Sustainability Management Analyst Akasha Chopra told the council the pilot is intended to support the state’s phase‑out of gas blowers under AB 1346 and to reduce air and noise pollution. The pilot will run on a first‑come, first‑served basis and reimburses purchases with proof of receipt; eligible purchases must be dated Dec. 15, 2025 or later.

The program design calls for up to $100 per piece of equipment for residential applicants and up to $500 per landscaper (registered in San Carlos) per purchase, with a maximum of two equipment rebates per commercial applicant per year. Staff said the one‑time allocation will be evaluated annually and the split between residential and commercial allocations could be adjusted based on demand.

Council members and staff discussed eligibility and safeguards. Chopra confirmed that nonprofits and businesses are eligible so long as they hold a San Carlos business registration; she also said staff will consider including batteries and chargers in future iterations if outreach shows that is needed.

Council Member Leighton asked whether landscapers headquartered outside San Carlos but registered in the city would qualify; Chopra replied they would. On the question of whether applicants must turn in old gas equipment to receive payment, staff said the program encourages donation of retired gas units to local recycling partners but does not require surrender as a condition of payment for this pilot.

Public speakers who supported the program urged the council to pair incentives with future restrictions and to prioritize outreach. Resident Justin Haggler urged flexibility in fund allocation and suggested shifting funds toward commercial demand if necessary. Longtime local advocate Josh Saffron said community education and voluntary public pledges may be more effective than strict enforcement: “It’s about socializing and educating people. It’s the carrot, not the stick,” he said.

Several youth speakers emphasized public‑health harms linked to gas blowers; Emma Doherty cited the staff report’s figures on noise and pollution and urged the council to view the pilot as a first step.

Council members debated additional requirements such as a signed pledge or proof of equipment disposal. Ultimately the council voted 4–0 (Vice Mayor Rack absent) to adopt Resolution 2026‑19 authorizing the pilot and directing staff to publish a list of landscapers who accept the rebate, a measure several council members said would help homeowners choose electric‑using providers.

The council directed staff to proceed with outreach, including bilingual materials, and to monitor program use and outcomes during the pilot year. Staff said more information and application details will be posted on the city’s website when the program opens for applications in March, or until funds are exhausted.

The resolution takes effect immediately for program launch; staff will report back annually with usage data and recommendations for adjustments.