RELEASE: New interactive map, corporate disclosure show progress on lawn care electrification

PHILADELPHIA – As leaves fall – and leaf blowers roar – in neighborhoods across the United States, PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center unveiled a new interactive map Wednesday showing nationwide progress on transitioning away from highly polluting, noisy, gas-powered lawn equipment. The map highlights policies in 26 states plus Washington, D.C., ranging from restrictions on leaf blower use and bans on the sale of gas-powered equipment to financial incentives for cleaner, quieter electric equipment. 

“We shouldn’t pollute our air and endanger our health and climate just by doing everyday yard work. We have better options,” said Ellie Kerns, Climate and Clean Energy Advocate with PennEnvironment. “It’s time for Pennsylvania to get on the map and join the cities and states across the country that have acted to improve our health and quality of life by switching away from dirty gas lawn mowers and leaf blowers.”

PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center recommends that states, municipalities, school districts, utility companies and other public entities use the information embedded in the new map for ideas on how to address the harmful pollution and noise produced by gas-powered lawn equipment. For municipalities in Pennsylvania, PennEnvironment recommends phasing out gas-powered leaf blowers and has a model ordinance to better assist local leaders and activists in passing legislation tackling air and climate pollution.

In addition to the governmental policy progress, corporations are taking this transition seriously. Lowe’s recently released a corporate responsibility report revealing that it has shifted its product lines substantially in recent years. Now, 60% of the outdoor lawn equipment (excluding riding mowers) that it sells is electric or battery-powered. 

“We appreciate that Lowe’s shared its progress and we are encouraged to see how much of its lawn equipment sales consists of cleaner, quieter electric and battery-powered options. Next, we encourage them to build on that progress to meet or beat The Home Depot’s goal of having 85% of lawn equipment sales be electric by 2028” said Kerns. “It’s time to make our lawn equipment as ‘green’ as our lawns.”