California is banning gas-powered leaf blowers, lawn mowers, and weed trimmers -- and offering rebate

[RandySF]

Gov. Gavin Newsom of California signed a bill into law on Saturday that would ban gas-powered lawn equipment, such as lawn mowers and leaf blowers, as soon as 2024.

The bill, which adds a section to the air-pollution part of California's health and safety code, offers some rebates for switching to zero-emission electronic lawn tools. The bill's author told the Los Angeles Times the state was setting aside $30 million to help professional gardeners and landscapers switch to electric equipment.

The bill says small off-road engines, which it describes as those "used primarily in lawn and garden equipment," emit lots of air pollution.

Gas-powered chain saws, weed trimmers, and golf carts are also affected by the new law, the Times said.



https://www.businessinsider.com/california-gas-leaf-blower-lawn-mower-ban-rebates-electric-pollution-2021-10

[dchill]

1. Wow! Is this a Wow? I think so.

[ShazzieB]

6. Sounds like a wow to me!

You go, California!

[BigmanPigman]

2. It's about time.

When I was growing up we had rakes and brooms and kids to do the job without gas, noise and smelly odors.

[caraher]

13. Imagine that - muscle power

I detest leaf blowers. Rakes and brooms seemed to suffice way back when. I've never owned one and hope never to do so.

[BigmanPigman]

14. Not only that but also free (or at least cheap) labor

if you happen to have kids or grandkids. It's worked for centuries.

[dsc]

27. and for people who are child free and can't rake I guess pony up $$$

they do permit electric ones which should suffice but I do think there are rational reasons a home owner might need one.

[Hugh_Lebowski]

3. This seems poorly considered ...

$30M program ... so that's like $2 per engine in the State? That should cover it!

Professional landscapers are going to mutiny, and stop supporting Democrats from this move ... and who can blame them ... it will make their lives absolutely miserable.

And meanwhile, let's shut down all the very-low emission nuclear power plants in CA!

Not impressed.

There needs to be an exemption for professionals or this is going to be a disaster.

[caraher]

12. The $30M is just for professional landscapers

The article in the OP claims there are 16.7 million small engines in California. The law only affects new equipment, so there's no requirement to immediately replace all those engines. Moreover, only some fraction of those engines are owned by professional landscapers, so the subsidy for future purchases will be much larger than $2 per engine (though probably less than the increased expense landscapers incur).

It seems likely there will be a buying spree over the next few years before the law takes effect, as well as a stronger market for used gas equipment.

The one that mystifies me is the part about "expcted" "zero-emission generators" as part of the feasibility equation. What are they thinking of technologically... hydrogen? Nuclear power? Huge temporary solar arrays?

Edited to add:

The LA Times has a piece on this with more detail on landscapers.

Berman said the state has set aside $30 million to help professional landscapers and gardeners make the transition from gas-powered equipment to zero-emission equipment, but an industry representative said that’s woefully inadequate for the estimated 50,000 small businesses that will be affected by the law.

Andrew Bray, vice president of government relations for the National Assn. of Landscape Professionals, said the zero-emission commercial-grade equipment landscapers use is also prohibitively expensive and less efficient than the existing gas-powered lawn mowers, leaf blowers and other small machinery. For example, a gas-powered commercial riding lawn mower costs $7,000 to $11,000, but its zero-emission equivalent costs more than twice that amount, he said.

Another major expense will be batteries. Bray said a three-person landscaping crew will need to carry 30 to 40 fully charged batteries to power its equipment during a full day’s work.

So yes, the subsidy doesn't come close to covering the cost; it's just not quite as comically inadequate as $2/engine

[Hugh_Lebowski]

32. Okay, I read the OP's article and nowhere in it did it say 'new engines', I looked for it

It says they're banned and never clarifies that it's only a ban on new engine sales.

So it's a phase-out. That's much more reasonable. Articles should say that.

And $30M is a joke as a set-aside for a rebate program.

Politically it could well be detrimental to Democrats, costing us House seats we can't afford to lose ... I hope the science is there to back up the idea that doing this is actually going to 'matter' in terms of human health and climate change, I'll leave it like that.

[fescuerescue]

36. Plus since the engines aren't licensed

I'm guessing that lawn companies will just make regular trips to Nevada, Utah and Oregon to buy their equipment.

And they will probably drive there in there gas and diesel trucks. (especially since electric trucks aren't available yet)

[Hugh_Lebowski]

38. There's that too!

Fundamentally I think my issue is I want to see bolder structural changes against climate change vs. nipping at its heels like this.

And I'm really irritated CA (what I consider my home state) is in the process of shutting down all its nuclear power generation, which, once the plant is built (as they are) is extremely low emissions.

In most cases, the power for these tools is going to come from gas-fired power plants in the first place.

I'd be way more excited to hear about a rethinking of the nuclear decommissioning and/or plans to replace FF-powered plants with renewable sources, and/or beefing up the infrastructure for power delivery ... that kind of thing.

I feel like we need BIG action here, so this fairly piddly stuff, that I think is really going to give ammo to the other side with not THAT much gain ... I have a hard time getting jazzed about ...

[caraher]

43. I think this is not mainly about climate change

Most small gas engines contribute heavily to smog; I think what's driving this isn't CO2 so much as local air quality (which in turn is mainly a concern for urban areas)

As a climate change measure yes, this is not even a drop in the bucket

[NJCher]

17. You are so wrong

So called professional landscapers are usually trumpers, far beyond a Democratic vote.

The number one call for a complaint in just about any municipality is over leafblower noise.

I, along with another activist, got an ordinance banning them in a nj town.

[Hugh_Lebowski]

31. Maybe where you are they're 'Trumpers' but in CA/AZ

They're Latino, at least the workers, maybe not ownership in a lot of cases, but the guys who are out their doing the work in this part of the world aren't usually Caucasian.

I understand hating the sound and banning leaf blowers specifically as a nuisance, or at least limiting their hours of use.

[NJCher]

39. they are Latinos here, too

and that in and of itself is an outrage.

Usually they are not wearing protection for the ears, which means they will lose their hearing right around middle age or even before.

I don't think they're even "legal" here.

[JanMichael]

47. Did I miss the sarcasm thingy? nt

[tonedevil]

22. Let's keep poisoning people with gas engines. /nt

[Hugh_Lebowski]

35. I didn't realize this was a phase-out/ban on new engine sales only

It was pointed out to me above ... original/OP article never said that, it just said these devices were 'banned as soon as 2024'.

I have a lot less of an issue with phasing them out than I do a flat-out ban in only a few years, with only a $30M rebate program.

[RockRaven]

4. The biggest pollution issue isn't CO2 from those gas engines, it's all the other crap.

One article I read on this noted that operating a gas appeared leaf blower for one hour produces as much pollution (hydrocarbons, ozone, nitrogen oxides) as driving a current model Toyota Camry from LA to Salt Lake City.

[Bev54]

5. I would hope they will grandfather those who already are using gas mowers

Many people can not afford to just replace them with new ones. My gas mower has been running for nearly 25 years and works great.

[caraher]

11. It does

The law applies only to new engines:

By July 1, 2022, the state board shall, consistent with federal law, adopt cost-effective and technologically feasible regulations to prohibit engine exhaust and evaporative emissions from new small off-road engines, as defined by the state board.

(emphasis added)

[TeamProg]

7. What gas powered tools we do already buy have to be CARB compliant:

Califormia Air Resource Board regulated.

Long extension cords can't carry the voltage needed.

How long can big batteries last? Costs?

My gas generator if used to power electric tools with a shorter extension cord is less efficient than a little 30cc weed eater or leaf blower.


This is a bit much Gavin.

[caraher]

9. The adequacy of electric tools depends somewhat on your property

I've been running corded electric lawn mowers, string trimmers and chainsaws for years. At my last house I needed 150 feet of extension cord to reach the edge of my property; the voltage is fine provided you pick the correct wire gauge. So the assertion that the long cord "can't carry" enough voltage is only true if you need a particularly long cord or don't look for a cord with the right specs.

[TeamProg]

10. 5 acres. n/t

[caraher]

44. Yes - a cord is no good there

For anyone who measures their land in acres, cords are a non-starter!

[NJCher]

18. Get rid of your lawn

Replace it with shrubs, ornamentals, etc.

[TeamProg]

40. Our lawn, surrounded by some rosemary and a half-ring of fruit trees appears rather insignificant

on our 5 acres at 3,100 ft elev in the Sierra Nevada foothills.

Our private well is strong at only 120 ft deep so water is not an issue for us.

Shrubs near a house is one of the worst things for fire. That is a big insurance no-no.

I have to mow approx. 3.5 acres of wild grasses about four times a year to keep the fire danger down.

The more houses that burn, YOUR rates go up. Plus, you know, then there are fewer houses avail for people to live in.

I'm all for a national Green New Deal but this isn't it.

It feels funny saying this having grown up in Santa Clara valley, but chainsaws are far louder than a little leaf blower or weed-eater and up this way, the sound of a chainsaw means someone is working on cleaning up the property of dead trees or fire risk fuels. It's a good sound up this way. It's music to our ears that nearby fire danger fuel is being lessened.

Cities / counties can ban noise two-stroke leaf blowers if they want to, just as Carmel-By-The-Sea had done.

[NJCher]

41. I see your point

it sounds like you are doing a fairly responsible job environmentally with your property. I hope there are exceptions for people like you. Maybe you should bring this up to them?

[fescuerescue]

37. I did the calculation for our mobile dog grooming business

Which relies on a portable generator.

We would need to carry around about 2,000 lbs of batteries to power the AC and dryer equipment. And then install a 30 or 50 amp charger at home to recharge all night.

Currently we use a portable generator that weighs about 100 lbs and uses about 3 gallons a day.

Thank goodness I don't live anywhere near California though.


It's not just lawn companies that will be impacted. It's any company that uses onsite equipment. Construction companies make quite a bit of use of small engines too.

[NickB79]

48. I purchased a Ryobi 38" riding lawnmower this summer for our yard

Rated at 2 hr/2 acres per charge. I picked it up on clearance for $1500 because it was last year's model. The newest one has 2.5 hr/2.5 acres of range. My best friend purchased the newest model and loves his, though it cost $2100, which is how he keyed me in on the one I purchased. Unfortunately, it appears the cost has now shot up quite a bit in the past 6 months (I'm seeing them going for $2500 online now).

So far, it has been very easy to use, cuts well, and appears to meet the manufacturer's claimed range. It uses 4, 12-volt batteries (non-lithium, the same type that golf carts use) that are removable. They should last around 4 yr before needing replacement, which I've already priced at around $300-$400.

For the convenience of almost no maintenance, no gas, and much less carbon emissions, I'll pay $100/yr in battery replacement costs.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/383784573925?hash=item595b57dbe5:g:xWEAAOSw2OlfmaY9

[TeamProg]

50. Something to consider! I currently run a 42" two-blade deck.. One of those Husqvarna / Kohler

deals.. It does eat gas..

[C Moon]

8. I'm here to cheer this on.

[cstanleytech]

15. Considering the power problems that tend to plague California this is kind of stupid.

[Ka-Dinh Oy]

16. What will they use to mow lawns then?

Weed eaters? Leaf blowers?

[NJCher]

19. See post 18

EOM

[eppur_se_muova]

20. Sheep ? nt

[Raine]

24. Electric or battery operated mowers and blowers. nt

[Ka-Dinh Oy]

45. Those electric mowers are a pain to operate.

I am curious to see lawn crews going over to all of that stuff. The complex I live in does not have electric outlets on the outside in places that would make it possible to use an electric mower.

I am curious if battery powered equipment would last all day without needing to be recharged. I know lawn crews do many properties a day and can not stop to do charging.

[Gidney N Cloyd]

51. I'd assume they could swap in fresh battery packs.

The technology wouldn't seem to be the critical hurdle here.

[Raine]

52. I know it's often hard to find an outside outlet

especially in older areas and then dealing with the cord is a hassle too. I wonder also about battery lasting long enough or it giving out to soon.

[eppur_se_muova]

21. Get rid of leaf blowers altogether -- the noise pollution is obnoxious. nt

[tonedevil]

23. Yup /nt

[Liberal In Texas]

26. Good. Been using an electric mower (EGo) for years.

Don't miss having to attend to a gasoline mower; making sure the gasoline isn't too old and if it is how to dispose of it, trying to figure out why the damned thing won't start again (spark plug clogged?) and having to winterize for storage etc etc.

Also have electric blowers that are hugely more quiet than the gas monsters the lawn guys in the neighborhood use.

[Zeitghost]

28. It's well intentioned, but will have a lot of consequences...

It's not like California has a lot of natural disasters or power outage issues, so I'm sure nobody will need a generator...



And as I mentioned in another thread, I'm not sure where I'll plug in my chainsaw when we go to clear roads and trails in the Sierras after a winter storm.

[fescuerescue]

34. Folks will have to buy their generators in Nevada

[jmowreader]

29. The battery-powered ones are pretty damned impressive

I have the 40-volt Ryobi mower and trimmer. I can cut my lawn and do all the trimming on one charge of one battery. Don’t miss gas at all.

[hunter]

30. Dumping scarce water on the ground and cutting down whatever grows with gasoline powered mowers...

... is a very strange hobby.

Anyways, large mowers of the sort used on soccer fields, public parks, etc., can easily use "near-zero emission" automotive pollution control technology.

Smaller landscape tools like leaf blowers and string trimmers can easily use battery technology.

Trimming an approved fire barrier around structures using electric tools isn't a big deal, even if you have to use extension cords. I've done it.

In the immediate future, electric and hybrid work vehicles with high wattage 120/240 volt power outlets are going to become increasingly common.

On remote job sites, and during natural disasters, you'll simply plug your tools and other electrical gadgets into your car or truck.

Eliminating toxic and noisy little gasoline engines will have health benefits for the workers who are now forced to use them.

[Sympthsical]

46. I live in a verrrrrrry green neighborhood

As in, all the public grass areas and parks are ridiculously green and well-kept, even as the surrounding hills are all dead brown tinderboxes. They're watered almost nightly using an extensive system of in ground sprinklers.

When I first moved here, I couldn't believe it. They're doing this crap in Northern California given everything?! It blew my mind, and I was all set to complain somewhere.

But no. Reclaimed water. All the public watering is from that.

It's still really strange though. When you hike to the top of the hills, you see this wide strip of vibrant green surrounded by tan and brown hills. It looks like satellite photos of the Nile.

[hunter]

49. I live in California as well. Most people in my community have replaced their lawns...

... with rocks and gravel and drought tolerant plants.

Recycled water isn't used for landscaping, it's used for agriculture. Some of this recycled water is further refined into tap water.

[VGNonly]

33. I had an electric.

It finally crashed after 15 years. Bought a new one in the spring. Both are made with a plastic housing, no rust. The first was Black&Decker, the second Craftsman.

[Mr.Bill]

42. I'm old enough to remember

a time when we somehow survived without leaf blowers.