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Senate committee advances voucher-based plan to help landscapers shift to electric equipment
Summary
AB 2635 would require air districts to run voucher programs and set privacy and enforcement rules to help landscapers afford electric equipment; supporters described upfront costs and worker impacts, while air districts raised implementation and staffing concerns. The committee advanced the bill with recorded support.
Assemblymember (bill author) presented AB 2635, the Just Transition for Landscapers Act, saying the bill would require air districts to implement voucher programs to help landscapers purchase electric lawn equipment, establish privacy protections for applicants, and set a more measured enforcement framework aimed at protecting low-wage workers.
A landscaper, translated by Fatima Garcia, described the financial strain of replacing multiple gas tools and estimated upfront replacement costs near $6,000 for the set of equipment he uses. "We want to continue working, keeping our communities in good conditions and to important environmental efforts. But we need you to consider the economic challenges faced by those of us who depend on these tools to earn a living," the landscaper said.
Luz Castro of Inclusive Action (a CDFI) explained the organizations work providing loans and technical assistance to small landscaping businesses and said voucher models and financing can make the transition feasible for day laborers and family-owned companies.
The California Air Pollution Control Officers Association (CAPCOA) and other air-district representatives said they support the transition but raised concerns about mandating programs and the laws operational impact on local air districts, including staffing, cost-effectiveness and language-assistance requirements. "From a cost-effectiveness perspective, they don't necessarily compete with other projects," CAPCOA said.
Committee members expressed sympathy for workers and interest in finding a balanced path that protects livelihoods while advancing clean-air goals. The committee moved AB 2635 forward; the motion to pass to the next committee was recorded and the bill was ordered with amendments to be taken up in the next committee stage.
What happens next: AB 2635 was passed out of committee with amendments and will be considered in a subsequent committee where implementation and funding mechanics will be negotiated.
