City’s Gas Powered Leaf Blowers Ban Now in Effect

Starting today, gas powered leaf blowers are banned in Pasadena. 

Violations of the ban could result in fines of $116 for the first violation, $238 for the second, $599 for the third, and $1,000 for the fourth and subsequent violations.

The fine would be levied on the machine operator, no onus will be placed on property owners that hired the operator of the machine.

“Our newly enacted policy to eliminate the use of gas powered leaf blowers in Pasadena is an important step in moving forward the City’s overall commitment to reduce greenhouse emissions,” said Mayor Victor Gordo. “It will move all of us in the positive direction [towards] cleaner energy sources which benefits all Pasadenans.” 

Earlier this week, the City held a workshop. The event included hands-on demonstrations and details on how to obtain equipment discounts.

According to Councilmember Tyron Hampton, the event served as a kick off as small business owners and business owners learned about the cities new regulations

“The City’s planning department and code enforcement, division and conjunction with vendors and local businesses, displayed the latest technology and helped business owners fill out Grant paperwork to receive dollars from AQMD,” Hampton told Pasadena Now. 

“This is the first of many meetings. Turnout was good, but there’s still more work that needs to be done educating our neighbors and business owners.”

Gas powered leaf blowers are powered by two stroke engines and produce known carcinogens, benzene, 1,3-butadiene, acetaldehyde, and formaldehyde.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which is part of the World Health Organization (WHO), has classified benzene as “carcinogenic to humans,” based on sufficient evidence that it causes acute myeloid leukemia. 

The IARC also notes that benzene exposure has been linked with acute lymphocytic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, multiple myeloma, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Two stroke engines lack an independent lubrication system so the fuel has to be mixed with oil.

It takes about four ounces of oil per every gallon of gas to run the engine, but all of that oil does not combust properly resulting in the release of air pollutants escaping from the engine in large quantities.

If the same type of engine were placed in a car, it would burn a gallon of oil every 1,000 miles. An Edmunds Report found that more carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons were emitted than a high-performance pickup.

The pickup truck would have to drive 3,000 miles to put the same amount of pollutants in the air.

A new state law bans the sale of gas-powered leaf blowers by the start of 2024.

“I am grateful for the ban beginning due to the environmental and health effects caused by the emissions from gas-powered machines,” said Councilmember Jess Rivas. “However, the City must continue to assist small businesses with the transition, just like we did this week through the workshop held at Brookside Park.”

Rivas said details about discounts, exchanges, and vouchers for electric-powered blowers are available on the City’s website here: https://www.cityofpasadena.net/planning/gas-powered-leaf-blower-ban/

Technology for electric-powered leaf blowers has advanced substantially, some of these units more powerful than gas-powered units and can provide over an hour of use without a charge.

“The ban shows our commitment to reducing our carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to climate change; and our strive to improve air quality, public health and noise pollution,” said Councilmembers Justin Jones. “In efforts to make this transition as smooth as possible for all of our community members, small business owners, etc. that have utilized gas-powered leaf blowers, the City held a workshop, for hands on training with the manufacturers and also provided information for rebate/vouchers. We are grateful for all of the city departments that collaborated to bring this information to those directly affected by this change. Our office will continue to make itself available to help.”  

There are currently two programs which offer discounts to small businesses and sole proprietor landscapers for exchanging gas-powered leaf blowers for electric leaf blowers.

“The ban on gas-powered leaf blowers has been a long time coming,” said Councilmember Jason Lyon. “They are bad for the environment, bad for workers, and bad for neighborhoods. With incentives and training, the city has worked really hard to make the transition to electric blowers as seamless and painless as possible for landscapers and gardeners. I’m looking forward to waking up Saturday to a little less air and noise pollution.” 

A new state law bans the sale of gas-powered leaf blowers by the start of 2024.

“Today’s citywide ban of gas-powered leaf blowers is the next step in the City’s ongoing efforts to combat climate change at the local level,” said Councilmember Steve Madison. “While the ban will apply statewide starting in January, Pasadena is a leader in this space. We know that the science is clear that action must be taken now. Gas-powered leaf blowers negatively impact our health and the environment by creating smog-forming emissions, toxic fumes, and carbon-dioxide emissions, so this ban will help protect public health and improve air quality.”