Austin City Council to consider expanding electric lawn care rebate and creating new gas-for-electric exchange program

This Thursday, March 7th, Council Member Ryan Alter and co-sponsors Council Members Vanessa Fuentes, José Velásquez, Paige Ellis, and Alison Alter are putting forth Item 20, which directs the City Manager to expand the Austin Energy electric lawn care equipment rebate, and create a program for Austin residents to exchange gas-powered equipment for an electric replacement.

In just one year, gas-powered lawn equipment emits over 21,000 tons of toxic PM 2.5 particulate matter –the same amount as 234 million cars. These particles are extremely harmful to people’s health and the
climate. This problem is especially felt in Travis County, which ranks as 27th worst county in the nation for CO2 produced by lawn care equipment. Localized air pollution is a significant contributor to asthma and other respiratory ailments, and by initiating this program, the City is taking an important step to ensure clean air for all Austinites.

“Gas lawn equipment pollutes our communities and harms our planet,” said Council Member Ryan Alter. “When implemented, this win-win program will make the cleanest lawn care choice the cheapest choice and get old, dirty equipment out of our parks and neighborhoods.”

“The good news is that Austinites no longer need to rely on gasoline-powered lawn equipment. A new generation of electric-powered lawn equipment is enabling us to do our yard work with less pollution,
noise and fuss. And with this resolution, we’ll be able to do it for less money too,” said Luke Metzger, Executive Director of Environment Texas.

The resolution directs the City Manager to return to Council with recommendations for a lead department, funding mechanisms, and an implementation plan in time for the FY24-25 budget process.

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