With the arrival of spring and landscapes blooming from California’s heavy storms, the Valley Air District has a deal for you.

Anyone replacing a gas-powered lawn mower with a zero-emission electric model can get up to $250 back.

The district also is offering up to $50 when making a direct purchase (no trade-in) of electric mowers and other electric yard care equipment. The rebate covers edgers, string trimmers, hedge trimmers, chainsaws, and pole saws.

And, residents in the AB 617 communities of South Central Fresno, Shafter, and Stockton are eligible for enhanced incentive dollars when swapping out a gas lawnmower for an electric.

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Grant recipient Alma Renteria of Fresno says that electric mowers are easier to use than gas-powered models — enabling her to tend to her yard.

“The new lawn mower is very easy — just push a button and it starts. I am so happy that I can mow my own lawn. Before it was a lot more work because I had to pull the starter cord with all my might and it did not matter how many times I pulled, I couldn’t turn it on. I had to rely on my husband, but now I can do it myself.”

One Gas Mower Spews More Pollution Than 12 Late-Model Cars

Air district officials say that gas-powered yard equipment is a significant source of air pollution in Valley neighborhoods. The small engines don’t have emission controls and pollute substantially more than newer passenger vehicles. In fact, one gas mower produces the equivalent in emissions of 12 late-model cars operating for the same amount of time.

Valley residents can visit www.valleyair.org/CGYM for program guidelines and an application before purchasing new equipment.  Residents of South Central Fresno, Shafter, and Stockton AB 617 communities can check their address to see if they are eligible for as much as $500 to replace their gas mower.

More information is available from the district at grants@valleyair.org  or by calling (559) 230-5800.