‘This … will improve physical and mental health for everyone’
Another city fed up with the noisy hum and excessive pollution from gas-fired plants leaf blowers.
Portland, Oregon, has taken a significant step by deciding to phase out a lot of malicious equipment starting in 2026, before a full ban in 2028. US Sun reported.
During this transition, these devices will be available from October to December in 2026 and 2027. After this date, their use will be completely banned and violators will face fines starting from $250.
The measure was passed unanimously in 2024. It addresses concerns about noise and air pollution from the two-stroke engines commonly found in these vehicles.
“This policy will improve the physical and mental health of everyone in our city, whether they use a gasoline blower for a living or experience it in their neighborhood,” said former Portland City Commissioner Carmen Rubio. reported By OregonLive.
Despite their small size, gas engines in leaf blowers contain large amounts of pollution. A report from the California Air Resources Board found that a commercial leaf blower running for one hour is as dirty as a passenger car traveling 1,100 miles, or 15 hours of driving. The engine also has a loud revving to contend with.
That’s why more than 100 municipalities, such as Arlington, Massachusetts, have implemented their own bans. Portland’s policy is supported by a city voucher program aimed at helping small businesses switch to more sustainable equipment. However, homeowners need to invest the new tools themselves.
Commercial operators such as golf course manager Chuck Wolsborn have expressed concerns about battery life, charging infrastructure and insufficient power of electric alternatives.
City officials have argued that phased implementation will aid the transition and that advances in technology will solve these problems over time. They also argued that industrial electricity alternatives would provide large savings in the long run once companies get over the initial sticker shock.
“Operators can save money over time because there is no fuel and less maintenance is required,” John Wasiutynski, director of Portland’s Office of Sustainability, said at a council meeting.
Reviews of experts who have tested new, powerful electric lawn mowers show that companies are indeed launching more powerful, capable products. Otherwise, the municipality says it will make changes if deemed necessary.
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