New Jersey Moves Closer to Gas Leaf Blower Ban
August 5, 2024
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Trenton, NJ – The New Jersey Senate Environment and Energy Committee has approved Senate Bill No. 217 with amendments, aiming to phase out gas-powered leaf blowers in the state.
The bill addresses environmental concerns related to two-stroke and four-stroke engine leaf blowers. Starting two years after the bill’s enactment, the sale or distribution of gas-powered leaf blowers with two-stroke engines will be prohibited statewide. Four years post-enactment, the use of these leaf blowers will also be banned. The restrictions extend to four-stroke engine blowers in residential areas, with usage limited to specific times of the year.
To support this transition, the bill introduces a tax incentive program promoting electric leaf blowers. The state will offer a tax credit against the corporation business tax, covering up to 50% of the purchase cost, including batteries and charging equipment.
The bill defines ‘residential area’ and sets penalties for non-compliance, ranging from warnings for first-time offenders to fines up to $1,000 for commercial entities. Municipalities can enact local ordinances that align with or exceed state legislation, but cannot restrict blowers designed for pesticide application.
This legislation reflects New Jersey’s commitment to environmental stewardship, addressing noise pollution and air quality concerns. The Department of Environmental Protection will oversee the implementation, ensuring a structured transition to less harmful alternatives.
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It sounds a little too slow for me (see "four years post-enactment" ) but I think the lawn laborers will abandon gas powered faster due to the fact that some towns have banned all but rechargeable and electric-powered.
Montclair, for example, only allows the use of rechargeable and electric. I spend a lot of time in that town and can tell you it makes a difference. I was one of two activists who led to getting their ban 20 years ago.
They will be restricted to certain parts of the year, too! Yay! Right now they use them all the time and it's utterly ridiculous. They are out there blowing nothing. Nothing! Just blowing to be blowing.
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