Commission considers edits to leaf-blower letter urging landscaper-focused shift and funding links

An ad hoc leaf-blower subcommittee (Commissioners Cohen and Frick) presented a draft public letter on Jan. 20 asking Palm Springs property owners to ensure landscapers stop using gas-powered leaf blowers and to highlight available incentives for switching to electric equipment.

Commissioners recommended several revisions to sharpen the letter’s audience and practical guidance. Commissioner Barrett suggested the headline and language should target contractors and landscapers (rather than implying homeowners personally operate the equipment) and recommended replacing phrasing such as “stop using” with wording that explicitly addresses contractor practices. Commissioners also asked the subcommittee to include links in the letter to the relevant ordinance text and to mention existing funding sources or rebate programs (the draft references state programs and the South Coast Air Quality Management District) so property owners and contractors can identify financial assistance for electric equipment purchases.

Practical concerns were raised about the constraints faced by landscapers: several commissioners noted that battery-powered equipment requires charging time and suggested including guidance about charging logistics and encouraging property owners to coordinate with contractors. Commissioners also asked whether the initiative could be coordinated regionally, since landscapers often work across multiple valley jurisdictions.

Chair Rotner recommended the subcommittee make revisions and circulate the updated draft to all commissioners for final review. The subcommittee will route a revised draft through staff (Benito) and either return it to the February meeting for approval or, subject to Brown Act guidance, circulate it to commissioners for comment before publication. No vote was taken at the meeting.