California goes after gas-powered lawn mowers and leaf blowers with a ban

California is a leader in eradicating carbon emissions, and it has taken further steps to stamp out pollution from gas-powered lawn equipment.

This new ban will take effect from 2024, affects small off-road engines (SOREs), including leaf blowers and lawn mowers, generators, and emergency response equipment, according to bill AB 1346 signed by the governor.

The bill empowers the state’s Air Resources Board to prepare regulations that will support the move. However, the regulators have the authority to postpone some aspects of the ban based on what is technically feasible.

It seems AB 1346 targets the sales of new gas-powered SOREs but does not address their use.

In defense of the ban, SOREs contribute to pollution, despite their relatively small sizes. Because they have largely escaped regulation since they are not as visible as automobiles, the engines often do not fully combust fuel, leading to soot and other particulate exhausts. They also produce more nitrous oxide gases than passenger cars in the state. All these contribute to the smog that affects health.

Apart from gas pollution, SOREs also cause noise pollution because their operations are usually loud.

For Californians concerned about financial implications, the new bill points out that these SOREs have affordable zero-emission replacements. For example, there are electric lawn mowers with rebates to reduce their costs. In fact, bill AB 1346 gives provisions for state agencies to increase funding for such rebate programs.