Interactive map of lawn mower and leaf blower policies

This interactive map shows which cities, states and companies have taken action to cut pollution and noise from gas-powered lawn equipment.

Gasoline-powered lawn mowers, leaf blowers, trimmers, chainsaws and other lawn and garden machines are noisy, polluting and putting our health at risk.

In response to growing public concern, local governments, states, utility companies and other entities across the country are adopting policies and programs to address the harmful pollution and noise generated by gas-powered lawn equipment. 

This map shows which places have taken action. Hover over a dot for more information. To filter the map to show only a particular kind of policy, click on that line in the key.

Which places have passed laws on gas lawn equipment?

We found policies and programs to address gas-powered lawn equipment in 26 states plus D.C., in every region of the country. The actions range from restrictions on leaf blower use and bans on the sale of gas-powered equipment to financial incentives for people and businesses to switch to cleaner, quieter electric equipment.

Kress electric lawn mower and snowblower
A Kress electric lawn mower and snowblower Staff | TPIN
Greenworks Commercial electric lawn equipment on display at the 2024 ProGreen Expo in Denver
Greenworks Commercial electric lawn mowers and leaf blower Staff | TPIN
Dewalt electric lawn and garden tools on display at the 2024 ProGreen Expo in Denver
Dewalt electric lawn and garden tools Staff | TPIN

What types of laws and programs have cities and states passed?

Some municipalities or counties have completely banned the use or sale of gas-powered leaf blowers or related machines; others limit the hours, days and/or season of operation of gas equipment. State and local governments have introduced tax credits, rebates and other financial incentives for electric lawn equipment. Many utility companies and electric co-ops across the country are playing a key role by offering rebates to their customers for making the switch to electric and battery-powered lawn tools.

Since the start of 2024, all newly-manufactured lawn equipment sold in the state of California must be zero-emission. In the meantime, states such as Georgia and Texas have taken a step backward by prohibiting their municipalities from restricting or discouraging the use or purchase of certain gas-powered lawn equipment.

Even so, the demand for cleaner, quieter electric lawn equipment appears to be growing as cities such as Dallas and Austin have created incentive programs for electric equipment. At the corporate level, major retailers such as Home Depot and Lowe’s are shifting their inventory towards electric and battery-powered lawn equipment to keep up with demand.

What can cities, states and companies do to cut pollution from gas lawn equipment?

States, municipalities, school districts, utility companies and others who want to take action to address the harmful pollution and noise produced by gas-powered lawn equipment in their communities can follow the lead of other cities and states. Options include:

A note on methodology

While we made our best attempt at an accurate and comprehensive list, it is not exhaustive. For members of the media or the public who would like more details on the policies featured in this map, or would like to see an existing policy or program added to this list, please contact Ellie Kerns

Special thanks to Judy Walton of Quiet Clean Alliance for her feedback on this resource. The authors bear the sole responsibility for any errors.

Topics
Authors

Kirsten Schatz

Clean Air Advocate, CoPIRG

Kirsten joined CoPIRG's staff in 2022 and is focused on fighting for clean air for Coloradans and transforming transportation systems. Previously, she oversaw The Public Interest Network's efforts to engage alumni/former employees and volunteers in the network's work, specializing in communications and organizing events in dozens of cities. Kirsten lives in the Denver area with her husband and two children, where she is an avid hiker, biker, church choir member and gardener.

Ellie Kerns

Climate and Clean Energy Advocate, PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center

Ellie works on PennEnvironment’s Climate and Clean Energy program, working to fight climate change and promote good clean energy policies and implementation in Pennsylvania. Ellie leads PennEnvironment’s efforts to transition away from polluting gas-powered lawn equipment, and promotes impactful clean energy and energy efficiency projects throughout the commonwealth. Ellie lives in Philadelphia, where she enjoys gardening, baking and photography.

staff | TPIN

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