Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
Newsom Signs Law Banning Gas-Powered Lawn Equipment
gvw_ap_news
By Associated Press
Published 4 years ago on
October 11, 2021

Share

SACRAMENTO — California will soon ban the sale of new gas-powered leaf blowers and lawnmowers, a move aimed at curbing emissions from a category of small engines on pace to produce more pollution each year than passenger vehicles.

The state budget, approved earlier this year, includes $30 million in consumer rebates to pay for this effort.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a new law on Saturday that orders state regulators to ban the sale of new gas-powered equipment using small off-road engines, a broad category that includes generators, lawn equipment, and pressure washers.

The California Air Resources Board has already started working on a rule to do this, a lengthy process scheduled to conclude early next year. But the law Newsom signed on Saturday removes any doubt, ordering the agency to apply the new rule by Jan. 1, 2024, or as soon as regulators determine is “feasible,” whichever date is later.

The law Newsom signed also orders regulators to offer rebates for people to change out their equipment, a move aimed at landscaping businesses that use these machines more often. The state budget, approved earlier this year, includes $30 million to pay for this effort.

Lung Association Praises Newsom

“Gov. Newsom signing (this law) really sets a strong course to not only his commitment to transitioning to zero emissions but also to cleaner air and healthier lungs,” said Will Barrett, director of clean air advocacy for the American Lung Association in California.

The law, authored by Democratic Assemblyman Marc Berman, is part of an aggressive strategy to reduce pollution in the nation’s most populous state. California is the only state with the authority to regulate air quality this way, part of an exception carved out in federal law in the 1970s. While other states can’t enact their own regulations, they can choose to follow California’s lead.

“By signing AB 1346, Governor Newsom has made good on his commitment to a clean energy future that protects the health of all Californians—including workers who face disproportionate health risks from air pollution,” said Berman. “Coupled with $30 million in zero-emission incentives, we are ensuring an equitable transition to clean technology. I want to thank Gov. Newsom for signing this landmark legislation to protect people and our planet.”

Last year, California regulators approved a first-of-its-kind rule to force automakers to sell more electric work trucks and delivery vans. Also last year, Newsom ordered regulators to ban the sale of all new gas-powered cars and trucks in California by 2035 — a date that has since been embraced by some of the world’s largest automakers.

California has more than 16.7 million of these small engines in the state, about 3 million more than the number of passenger cars on the road. California was the first government in the world to adopt emission standards for these small engines in 1990. But since then, emissions in cars have vastly improved compared with smaller engines.

Now, state officials say running a gas-powered leaf blower for one hour emits the same amount of pollution as driving a 2017 Toyota Camry from Los Angeles to Denver, a distance of about 1,100 miles.

(GV Wire contributed to this article.)

RELATED TOPICS:

DON'T MISS

What Are Fresno Real Estate Experts Predicting for 2025 and Beyond?

UP NEXT

‘Any Illegal Immigrants?’ Trump Quizzes Workers at the White House

US B-2 Bombers, Bunker-Busters and Alternatives

32 minutes ago

US Social Security, Medicare to Run Short of Funds in 2033, Trustees Say

36 minutes ago

A Little Coffee With Your Whiskey? Downtown Fresno Gets New Craft Cocktail Lounge

Downtown Fresno will get a new craft cocktail lounge Friday with a focus on espresso-flavored drinks. The name? Neat & Noir. It only too...

15 minutes ago

15 minutes ago

A Little Coffee With Your Whiskey? Downtown Fresno Gets New Craft Cocktail Lounge

President Donald Trump talks about the new flag pole being installed on the South Lawn of the White House, in Washington, Wednesday, June, 18, 2025. President Trump decided to check the immigration status of a work crew installing a new flagpole at the White House. (Doug Mills/The New York Times)
19 minutes ago

‘Any Illegal Immigrants?’ Trump Quizzes Workers at the White House

25 minutes ago

What Is Juneteenth and When Did It Become a US Federal Holiday?

32 minutes ago

US B-2 Bombers, Bunker-Busters and Alternatives

36 minutes ago

US Social Security, Medicare to Run Short of Funds in 2033, Trustees Say

Feb 10, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Owner and president of the Los Angeles Lakers Jeanie Buss attends the game against the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images/File Photo)
42 minutes ago

Buss Family to Sell Lakers, Report Says

48 minutes ago

Trump Administration Resuming Student Visa Appointments, Official Says

1 hour ago

Teen Girl Accused as Getaway Driver in Caleb Quick Murder Appears in Court

Help continue the work that gets you the news that matters most.

Search

Send this to a friend