The sound of gas-powered leaf blowers has become a common noise in neighborhoods all over the United States, causing many towns and states to implement bans or restrictions on these machines. However, the landscaping industry and some property owners are pushing back against these measures, claiming that battery-powered blowers are more expensive and less effective than their gas-powered counterparts.
Jessica Stolzberg, a resident of Montclair, New Jersey, who was instrumental in getting a ban on gas-powered leaf blowers enacted in her town, argues that these machines are too loud and polluting to be used in residential areas where children play. She believes that the ban has made Montclair a healthier, cleaner, and quieter community.
Despite the positive impact of the ban, it is facing legal challenges from landscapers who rely on gas-powered blowers for their work. These landscapers argue that battery-powered blowers are costlier and less powerful, leading to increased costs and decreased performance under the new regulations.
New Jersey is considering a statewide ban on gas-powered leaf blowers, with a bill currently under review by a state Senate committee. The proposed legislation would allow the use of four-stroke combustion engine blowers during peak cleanup periods in spring and fall, with two-stroke models being phased out after two years.
Rich Goldstein, president of the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association, supports this compromise but emphasizes the importance of being able to use powerful gas-powered blowers when needed. He highlights the significant amount of leaves that need to be cleaned up in New Jersey each fall and argues that gas-powered blowers are essential for this task.
Several cities across the United States have already banned or restricted gas-powered leaf blowers, citing them as a major source of pollution. Doug O’Malley of Environment New Jersey states that using a gas-powered blower for an hour produces as much pollution as driving a car for 1,100 miles.
While the transition to battery-powered blowers is seen as a positive step for the environment, it presents challenges for the landscaping industry. Goldstein notes that replacing gas-powered blowers with battery-powered ones is costly and requires retrofitting trucks to charge batteries, which can lead to other issues.
Maplewood, New Jersey Mayor Nancy Adams supports the ban on gas-powered blowers in her community, emphasizing the importance of addressing climate change. She believes that transitioning to battery-powered blowers has improved the quality of life in Maplewood.
Overall, the debate over gas-powered leaf blowers highlights the tension between environmental concerns and practical considerations for the landscaping industry. While there is a push for a gradual transition to battery-powered blowers, more time may be needed to develop more powerful models that can meet the industry’s needs.