M
EMORANDUM
DAT
E: October 3, 2022
T
O: Justin Hess, City Manager
F
ROM: Marisa Garcia, Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Director Patrick Prescott, Community Development Director
BY: Caroline Arrechea, Executive Assistant
S
UBJECT: City Manager Tracking List No. 2443 – Provide Information On How To Transition Gardeners From Using Gas Powered Leaf Blowers To Electric Blowers A
t the November 16, 2021 City Council meeting, Council Member Springer requested staff provide information on how to transition gardeners from using gas powered leaf blowers to electric blowers.
BACKG
ROUND
This memorandum includes background information on Governor Gavin Newsom’s Executive Order, Assembly Bill 1346 (AB 1346) and the California Air Resources Board’s measure which have led to restrictions on gas powered leaf blowers in an effort to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
In September 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Executive Order N-79-20 (Order), which notes that the climate change crisis is impacting California in unprecedented ways, affecting the health and safety of its residents. It further states that zero emissions technologies reduce both greenhouse gas emissions and toxic air pollutants. The Order pledged to accelerate California’s actions to mitigate and adapt to climate change, and more quickly move toward a low-carbon, sustainable and resilient future.
Following this direction, California Assembly Members Marc Berman and Lorena Gonzalez put forth AB 1346 in 2021, which propose d stopping the sale of new gas -powered small off-road engines (SORE). SOREs are spark-ignition engines with rated power at or below 19 kilowatts (25 horsepower), primarily used for leaf blowers and lawn mowers. However, they also include other equipment such as generators, golf carts, airport ground support equipment , and specialty vehicles. The SORE regulations require new engines to be certified and labeled to meet emission standards and other requirements. The bill also requires all new sales of SORE to be zero- emission by at least 2024. The new legislation is tied to California's attempts to
PARKS AND
RECREATION
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2 lessen the impacts of climate change. In October 2021, Governor Newsom signed AB 1346 into law.
Additionally, on December 9, 2021, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) approved the measure, amending CARB’s existing small off -road engine regulations and emissions standards first adopted in 1990.
DISCUSSION
As defined by the new law, the ban solely applies to the sale of new gas-powered small off- road engines effective 2024, and primarily only affects manufacturers at this time. Notably, Californians can continue to operate their current CARB -compliant gasoline-powered SORE equipment. There will not be a ban on using older models or used equipment purchased in the future. Older models on store shelves can also be purchased even if they are gasoline- powered.
U
nderstandably, local landsc apers can choose to continue to use the older model equipment they currently own, and will likely do so given the costs associated with purchasing new electric equipment. However, following in the direction of the state and determined to contribute towards the reduction of air pollutants to make, staff is devising a plan of action to work directly with landscapers to provide education on the benefits of transitioning towards alternate equipment, including educational materials in multiple languages.
M
oreover, st aff will also inform landscapers of existing and upcoming incentive, rebate and buy-back programs available through sources such as the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), CARB, and Burbank Water and Power’s Commercial Landscape Battery Rebate Program.
SCAQMD Programs
Currently, SCAQMD has two programs that help clean the air through the replacement of gasoline-powered residential lawn mowers and commercial lawn and garden equipment. The public can receive a rebate of up to $250 with the purchase of a cordless, battery-electric lawn mower. An operable, gasoline powered lawn mower must be disposed of in order to be eligible for the rebate. Also, t he Commercial Electric Lawn and Garden Equipment Incentive & Exchange Program is available for commercial landscapers and gardeners operating within the SCAQMD's region providing up to 75% off commercial lawn and garden equipment. This program is also open to local governments, school districts, colleges , and non- profits.
Commercial lawn and garden equipment will be made available at a discounted price through pre-authorized dealerships. An equivalent operable gasoline or diesel powered piece of lawn or garden equipment must be disposed of when the new battery -electric equipment is purchased.
CORE Program
Additionally, incentive funds will be available to commercial purchasers of new zero-emission equipment through CARB's Clean Off -Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE), which was created to accelerate deployment of cleaner off-road technologies. The Legislature has allocated $30 million to be dedicated to sole proprietors and other small landscaping ATTACHMENT 1 - 2
3 businesses in California to help them purchase zero- emission small off -road equipment, including leaf blowers, lawn mowers and string trimmers. The public can receive a rebate of up to $250 with the purchase of a cordless, battery-electric lawn mower as long as an operable, gasoline powered lawn mower is disposed of in its place.
BWP Rebate Program
Burbank Water and Power (BWP) also provides an additional incentive through their rebate program to commercial customers who participate in the South Coast SCAQMD Commercial Electric Lawn and Garden Program . BWP’s rebate applies to the purchase of a new battery for electric lawn and garden equipment only, and customers may receive up to a $475 incentive.
CONCLUSION
Staff is committed to working in partnership with local landscapers to construct a cohesive plan that will benefit both the City and these businesses, which provide a vital service to our community. The City remains dedicated to mitigating the effects of climate change in any way possible as well as improving air quality for Burbank residents , and will continu e to work towards this goal. A s part of this educational campaign, staff will provide information on recycling opportunities through the Burbank Recycle Center for unwanted gas powered leaf blowers, and other related equipment.
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