Washington DC bans gas-powered leaf blowers.

[underpants]

The gas-powered leaf blower ban was introduced by Ward 3 Councilmember Mary Cheh. It amends the Noise Control Act of 1977 to prohibit the sale or use of gas-powered leaf blowers as of January 1, 2022, with a maximum fine of $500 for violations. Battery-powered blowers are still permitted and gas-powered blowers are allowed on federal land.

The movement to ban gas-powered leaf blowers began in Wesley Heights, with proponents like The Atlantic writer and former presidential speechwriter James Fallows, The Atlantic writer Deb Fallows, and composer Haskell Small. Advisory Neighborhood Commissions in seven of the city’s eight wards endorsed the measure. The arguments were that gas-powered leaf blowers already violate the District’s noise laws, which were too difficult to enforce, and contribute to air pollution.

During a July public hearing, nearly all of the testimony was in favor of the bill, including local business owners that have already made the switch to battery-powered blowers.

If Bowser signs the ban, D.C. will join more than 170 jurisdictions in 31 states that regulate gas-powered leaf blowers, according to a D.C. Council report.

https://dcist.com/story/20/12/03/dc-md-va-morning-news-roundup-12-04-2020/

[mitch96]

1. DC should banish gas powered bloviating politicians.... nt

[llmart]

2. We need to ban blowers altogether.

Noise pollution is equally damaging as far as I'm concerned. When did we decide that our yards (aka nature) had to be pristine and every leaf removed? Whatever happened to using a rake or a broom? Most Americans could use the exercise but I guess that would mean getting off their cell phones and/or couches. I can understand certain situations where they may be necessary, but every darned homeowner now seems to need a blower.

[Amishman]

4. they are also very effective snow removal tools

When we get a few inches of fluffy snow, I can clear it faster with the leaf blower and with less fuel used than if I fire up the tractor

(shovel isn't an option, driveway is over 200 yards long)

[Liberal In Texas]

3. YAY.

Now, let's get more incentives for people to buy electric cars.

[KY_EnviroGuy]

5. Go quiet and green. Blow your tear gas with a lithium ion blower.

........

Seriously, I'm all for that measure. I'm sensitive to noise and leaf blowers are the worst. Some people use them for a half-hour just on one damn driveway during mowing season. It's noisy enough with loud pickup trucks, weed eaters, chain saws and lawn mowers.

I'm most grateful for winter because of the quiet.

KY

[Phoenix61]

6. I despise leaf blowers. Rake and a broom work

just as well. Cracks me up that folks have all these “labor saving devices” so they’ll have time to go to the gym.