Gas-powered leaf blowers; local regulation, civil penalty. (HB1337)
Introduced By
Del. Kaye Kory (D-Falls Church) with support from co-patron Del. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker (D-Alexandria)
Progress
✓ |
Introduced |
✗ |
Passed Committee |
☐ |
Passed House |
☐ |
Passed Senate |
☐ |
Signed by Governor |
☐ |
Became Law |
Description
Local regulation of gas-powered leaf blowers; civil penalty. Provides that any locality may by ordinance regulate the use of gas-powered leaf blowers. Prior to enactment of such ordinance, a public hearing is required. The ordinance may include provisions for a civil penalty. Read the Bill »
Outcome
Bill Has Failed
History
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| 01/21/2022 | Committee |
| 01/21/2022 | Presented and ordered printed 22104665D |
| 01/21/2022 | Referred to Committee on Counties, Cities and Towns |
| 01/28/2022 | Assigned CC & T sub: Subcommittee #1 |
| 02/04/2022 | Subcommittee recommends laying on the table (5-Y 4-N) |
| 02/15/2022 | Left in Counties, Cities and Towns |
Comments
Maybe we shouldn't be so keen to blow away our leaves in the first place. Entomologist Doug Tallamy says that 92% of lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) winter in fallen leaves or woody debris. Leaf litter provides habitat for countless insect species, including firefly larva and butterflies, small amphibians, spiders, and invertebrates. It also provides foraging ground and nesting materials for birds. Fallen leaves are not trash, but a valuable part of the ecosystem. They nourish the soil with organic matter, and after heavy rain act like sponges, slowing down storm water, helping keep sediment out of streams.
The noise from gas leaf blowers can reach 110 dB for the user. Landscape crews often lack adequate ear protection. . Even worse are the emissions. A 2011 study by Edmunds Car Reviews shows staggering levels of pollutants from 2-stroke engines, the same engines still used today. We should be especially mindful of VOCs and nitrous oxide. On sunny days,enough of these in the air and you get smog.
The California Air Resources Board, citing the Edmonds study, reports that operating a commercial 2-stroke leaf blower for one hour emits more smog-forming pollution than driving a 2016 Toyota Camry for 1,100 miles.
https://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/features/emissions-test-car-vs-truck-vs-leaf-blower.html
Gee Kate how will the illegals remove your leaves?