Iraheta, Alba
From: Brooke Abercrombie
Sent: Friday, February 25, 2022 12:46 PM
To: PublicComment-AutoResponse
Subject: Gas Powered Blowers
CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button. Learn more..<https://mydoit.cityofpasadena.net/sp?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0010263>.
Hi -
I was delighted to read that the City Council is likely to prohibit the use of gas powered blowers. THANK YOU. Not only are they loud and annoying for neighbors, they are potentially harmful to the heating of the people operating the machines if they have not been given proper hearing protection.
Thank you,
Brooke Abercrombie
02/28/2022
Item 10
Iraheta, Alba
From: Maureen Crow
Sent: Friday, February 25, 2022 12:59 PM
To: PublicComment-AutoResponse
Subject: Public comment/gas-powered leaf blower ban - Nay CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button. Learn more...
I'm writing to urge the council not to ban gas-powered leaf blowers - yet. Current technology for electric leaf blowers lags demand. Today's models don't have enough power to be effective and their batteries only last through one yard. Believe me, we've tried.
Banning gas-powered leaf blowers in my opinion would place an unnecessary hardship on hard-working gardeners - almost all of whom are solo businesspeople working for modest wages. It's magical thinking in 2022 to believe homeowners are going to start raking. And clients won't want their fees doubled for the extra time it takes to rake.
Additionally, my guess is the majority of complaints come from apartment-dwellers, rather than homeowners who have their own yards blown. People are so crabby - esp during Covid - don't pander to them because it never ends. I work-from-home, but I deal.
We value our beautiful neighborhoods in Pasadena and they're beautiful thanks to the army of gardeners who maintain them. I urge you to table this matter a few years until the tech for electric blowers has improved Thank you council members for the challenging and often thankless work you do under difficult circumstances! Maureen Crow
02/28/2022
Item 10
Iraheta, Alba
From: Topher Mathers
Sent: iday, February 25, 2022 3:27 PN
To: vas, Jessica; PublicComment-AutoRespons
Subject: Agenda Item 10 - 1 Support a Zero-Emission Leaf Blower Policy for Pasadena CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you know the content i safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button. Learn more..
Dear Mayor Gordo and members of the Pasadena City Council, As a Pasadena resident who cares deeply about the quality of the air we breathe each and every day, I urge you to support the adoption of a local, zero-emission, leaf blower policy.
Pasadena needs to do more to combat the climate crisis, reduce biodiversity loss, and address air pollution in our community.
According to the CA Air Resources Board (CARB), leaf blowers and other small off-road engines (SOREs) will emit more pollution than all the light-duty passenger cars in California in 2021. Engines in this category are primarily used for lawn, garden, and other outdoor power equipment, with an estimated 16.7 million in use across California, versus 13.7 million light-duty passenger cars. CARB estimates that one hour of operation of a commercial leaf blower can emit as much ROG and NOx as driving 1,100 miles in a 2017 Toyota Camry.
Leaf blowers are also destructive for the habitat of butterflies, beetles, bees, moths and other creatures that make their homes and lay their eggs in leaves. There is a knock-on effect on our wild bird populations who depend on healthy insect populations for their survival. Both bird and insect populations are in steep decline. The City should encourage residents to support local biodiversity by limiting the use of blowers to hardscape only.
Over half of household lawn and garden equipment is already zero-emission, but commercial landscapers have historically had lower adoption rates of zero-emission equipment. Equipment used for commercial purposes requires additional batteries and chargers, increasing the upfront costs of cleaner, healthier, zero-emission equipment. Fortunately local air quality districts such as SCAQMD already have programs in place to support commercial operators in making the transition, and the 2021-22 state budget includes $30 million in new funding to support such programs.
Pasadena has an opportunity to join communities across California in accelerating the adoption of cleaner, quieter, zero emission yard equipment. On September 1, 2021 our neighbors in the City of South Pasadena adopted a local policy that phases out the use of gas leaf blowers, effective October 1, 2022. South Pasadena's policy is designed to be non-punitive to small business owners by holding the property owner or tenant, whichever person authorizes the use of a gas-powered leaf blower, responsible for violations of the ordinance.
As a local resident I urge you to:
1. Adopt a local policy to phase out gas leaf blowers,
2. Limit the use of leaf blowers to the hardscape, and
3. Support local small businesses in taking this step.
02/28/2022
1 Item 10
Thank you for your commitment to clean air,
Topher Mathers (District 5, tenant)
Iraheta, Alba
From: Claire Zeng
Sent: Friday, February 25, 2022 4:07 PM
To: PublicComment-AutoResponse
Subject: Agenda Item 10 - 1 Support a Zero-Emission Leaf Blower Policy for Pasadena CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button. Learn more...
Dear Mayor Gordo and members of the Pasadena City Council, As a Pasadena resident who cares deeply about the quality of the air we breathe each and every day, I urge you to support the adoption of a local, zero-emission, leaf blower policy.
Pasadena needs to do more to combat the climate crisis, reduce biodiversity loss, and address air pollution in our community.
According to the CA Air Resources Board (CARB), leaf blowers and other small off-road engines (SOREs) will emit more pollution than all the light-duty passenger cars in California in 2021. Engines in this category are primarily used for lawn, garden, and other outdoor power equipment, with an estimated 16.7 million in use across California, versus 13.7 million light-duty passenger cars. CARB estimates that one hour of operation of a commercial leaf blower can emit as much ROG and NOx as driving 1,100 miles in a 2017 Toyota Camry.
Leaf blowers are also destructive for the habitat of butterflies, beetles, bees, moths and other creatures that make their homes and lay their eggs in leaves. There is a knock-on effect on our wild bird populations who depend on healthy insect populations for their survival. Both bird and insect populations are in steep decline. The City should encourage residents to support local biodiversity by limiting the use of blowers to hardscape only.
Over half of household lawn and garden equipment is already zero-emission, but commercial landscapers have historically had lower adoption rates of zero-emission equipment. Equipment used for commercial purposes requires additional batteries and chargers, increasing the upfront costs of cleaner, healthier, zero-emission equipment. Fortunately local air quality districts such as SCAQMD already have programs in place to support commercial operators in making the transition, and the 2021-22 state budget includes $30 million in new funding to support such programs.
Pasadena has an opportunity to join communities across California in accelerating the adoption of cleaner, quieter, zero emission yard equipment. On September 1, 2021 our neighbors in the City of South Pasadena adopted a local policy that phases out the use of gas leaf blowers, effective October 1, 2022. South Pasadena's policy is designed to be non-punitive to small business owners by holding the property owner or tenant, whichever person authorizes the use of a gas-powered leaf blower, responsible for violations of the ordinance.
As a local resident I urge you to:
1. Adopt a local policy to phase out gas leaf blowers,
2. Limit the use of leaf blowers to the hardscape, and
3. Support local small businesses in taking this step.
Thank you for your commitment to clean air,
02/28/2022
1 Item 10
Claire Zeng
District 7 resident
2 Iraheta, Alba
From: Banaf Rahimi
Sent: riday, February 25, 2022 8:52 PN
To: ublicComment-AutoResponse; Rivas, Jose; Gordo, Victor; Hampton, Tyron; Kennedy John J.; Williams, Felicia
Subject: Agenda Item 10 - 1 Support a Zero-Emission Leaf Blower Policy for Pasadena CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button. Learn more....
Dear Mayor Gordo and members of the Pasadena City Council, As a Pasadena resident who cares deeply about the quality of the air we breathe each and every day, I urge you to support the adoption of a local, zero-emission, leaf blower policy.
Pasadena needs to do more to combat the climate crisis, reduce biodiversity loss, and address air pollution in our community.
According to the CA Air Resources Board (CARB), leaf blowers and other small off-road engines (SOREs) will emit more pollution than all the light-duty passenger cars in California in 2021. Engines in this category are primarily used for lawn, garden, and other outdoor power equipment, with an estimated 16.7 million in use across California, versus 13.7 million light-duty passenger cars. CARB estimates that one hour of operation of a commercial leaf blower can emit as much ROG and NOx as driving 1,100 miles in a 2017 Toyota Camry.
Leaf blowers are also destructive for the habitat of butterflies, beetles, bees, moths and other creatures that make their homes and lay their eggs in leaves. There is a knock-on effect on our wild bird populations who depend on healthy insect populations for their survival. Both bird and insect populations are in steep decline. The City should encourage residents to support local biodiversity by limiting the use of blowers to hardscape only.
Over half of household lawn and garden equipment is already zero-emission, but commercial landscapers have historically had lower adoption rates of zero-emission equipment. Equipment used for commercial purposes requires additional batteries and chargers, increasing the upfront costs of cleaner, healthier, zero-emission equipment. Fortunately local air quality districts such as SCAQMD already have programs in place to support commercial operators in making the transition, and the 2021-22 state budget includes $30 million in new funding to support such programs.
Pasadena has an opportunity to join communities across California in accelerating the adoption of cleaner, quieter, zero emission yard equipment. On September 1, 2021 our neighbors in the City of South Pasadena adopted a local policy that phases out the use of gas leaf blowers, effective October 1, 2022. South Pasadena's policy is designed to be non-punitive to small business owners by holding the property owner or tenant, whichever person authorizes the use of a gas-powered leaf blower, responsible for violations of the ordinance.
As a local resident I urge you to:
1. Adopt a local policy to phase out gas leaf blowers,
2. Limit the use of leaf blowers to the hardscape, and
3. Support local small businesses in taking this step.
02/28/2022
1 Item 10
Thank you for your commitment to clean air,
Banaf Rahimi
Iraheta, Alba
From: Jamie Cho
Sent: Friday, February 25, 2022 11:26 PM
To: PublicComment-AutoResponse
Subject: Agenda Item #10 CONSIDERATION OF PROHIBITING GAS-POWERED LEAF-BLOWING
MACHINES
CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button. Learn more...
Dear Mayor Gordo and members of the Pasadena City Council, As a Pasadena resident who cares deeply about the environment and the quality of the air we breathe every day, I urge you to support prohibiting the use of gas-powered leaf blowing machines. Pasadena needs to do more to combat the climate crisis, reduce biodiversity loss, and address air pollution in our community all of which threaten our lives.
In addition to prohibiting gas-powered leaf blowing machines, I urge you to consider the alternatives to leaf blowing machines of any kind. Leaves can be used as mulch which has many benefits such as:
Water and energy conservation;
•
• Provision of plant nutrients and habitat for insects (which then fosters sustainable food chain/ecosystem);
Carbon sequestration;
•
• Money savings;
•
•
•
. Erosion reduction.
•
These benefits have been listed in many articles and research studies as well as the CalRecycle website. USA Today reported on October 24, 2021, that "According to data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in 2018, landfills received approximately 10.5 02/28/2022
1 Item 10
million tons of yard trimmings, which includes leaves...leaves and other organic matter sent to landfills can break down and form methane, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change...The more we can keep that organic material out of the landfill, the better." It seems that leaving the leaves and letting them naturally compost has much more environmental, ecological, health, and financial benefits. I urge you to consider the alternatives that are more beneficial for people and the environment rather than opting for leaf blowers as a solution to the leaf "problems". Some of the alternatives I would like to suggest are:
••
• Community-scale
• composting (CA state CalRecycle's
Community
Composting for Green Spaces Grant program says it is "one approach to preventing landfill disposal
• of compostable organic materials. It has the potential to reduce waste generation while benefiting the earth by returning nutrients to the soil... also engage and enhance your community or a local school with a fun educational experience." surrounding their buildings/businesses.
•
• Encourage the use of lawnmowers instead of leaf blowers. •
•
•
: Letthe leaves naturally compost as much as possible.
I sincerely hope and urge our city of Pasadena to be a leader in combating the climate crisis, reducing biodiversity loss, and addressing air pollution. It is not easy, but it is a commitment worth making for countless benefits that will not only benefit us today but for the generations to come.
Therefore, I strongly urge you to:
3. Prohibit the use of gas-powered leaf blowing machines;
7. Explore and implement all the possible environmentally beneficial alternatives to using leaf-blowers.
2 Thank you very much for your commitment to making this wonderful city a better place for us all.
Sincerely,
Jamie Cho
Iraheta, Alba
From: Elizabeth Brady
Sent: Saturday, February 26, 2022 10:09 AM
To: PublicComment-AutoResponse
Subject: gas powered leaf blowers
CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button. Learn more... https://mydoit.cityofpasadena.net/sp?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0010263>.
As a long time resident of the South Lake area of Pasadena, I'm thrilled that the banning of these machines is being concidered for Pasadena. The noise polution in our neighborhood is very high everydaay except Sunday. I understand the gardeners wan to make their jobs easier but it is unnerving and deafening. Perhaps there are electric blowers to replace them. Please, please, please banned the gas blowers in Pasadena! Thank you.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Brady Woods
02/28/2022
Item 10
Iraheta, Alba
From: Claire Zeng
Sent: Saturday, February 26, 2022 12:31 PM
To: PublicComment-AutoResponse
Cc: Gordo, Victor; Madison, Steve; Masuda, Gene; Kennedy, John J.; Wilson, Andy; Hampton, Tyron; Williams, Felicia; Rivas, Jessica
Subject: Agenda Item 10 - 1 Support a Zero-Emission Leaf Blower Policy for Pasadena CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button. Learn more....
Dear Mayor Gordo and members of the Pasadena City Council, As a Pasadena resident who cares deeply about the quality of the air we breathe each and every day, I urge you to support the adoption of a local, zero-emission, leaf blower policy.
Pasadena needs to do more to combat the climate crisis, reduce biodiversity loss, and address air pollution in our community.
According to the CA Air Resources Board (CARB), leaf blowers and other small off-road engines (SOREs) will emitted more pollution than all the light-duty passenger cars in California in 2021. CARB estimates that one hour of operation of a commercial leaf blower can emit as much ROG and NOx as driving 1,100 miles in a 2017 Toyota Camry.
Leaf blowers are also destructive for the habitat of butterflies, beetles, bees, moths and other creatures that make their homes and lay their eggs in leaves. There is a knock-on effect on our wild bird populations who depend on healthy insect populations for their survival. Both bird and insect populations are in steep decline. The City should encourage residents to support local biodiversity by limiting the use of blowers to hardscape only.
Pasadena has an opportunity to join communities across California in accelerating the adoption of cleaner, quieter, zero emission yard equipment. On September 1, 2021 our neighbors in the City of South Pasadena adopted a local policy that phases out the use of gas leaf blowers, effective October 1, 2022. South Pasadena's policy is designed to be non-punitive to small business owners by holding the property owner or tenant. whichever person authorizes the use of a gas-powered leaf blower, responsible for violations of the ordinance.
As a local resident I urge you to:
1. Adopt a local policy to phase out gas leaf blowers,
2. Limit the use of leaf blowers to the hardscape, and
3. Support local small businesses in taking this step.
Thank you for your commitment to clean air,
Claire Zeng
District 7 resident
02/28/2022
1 Item 10
Iraheta, Alba
From: Denise Morse
Sent: Saturday, February 26, 2022 12:55 PM
To: PublicComment-AutoResponse
Subject: Ban Gas Powered Leaf-Blowing Machines - 2/28/2022 CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button. Learn more... https://mydoit.cityofpasadena.net/sp?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0010263>.
Please include this correspondence at the February 28, 2022 City Council Meeting Agenda Item 10: Consideration of Prohibiting Gas-Powered Leaf Blowing Machines
Dear Mayor Gordo and Pasadena City Council:
My family and I strongly support the Municipal Services Committee's recommendation that the City Attorney please immediately prepare an ordinance amending Pasadena Municipal Code - Title 9, Chapter 9.37 to include a citywide ban of all gas powered leaf-blowing machines and that the person authorizing the use of the leaf-blower be ticketed and responsible for all violations and penalties.
Thank you very much in helping to make Pasadena a healthier and quieter city.
Sincerely,
Denise & Tim Morse
Pasadena, CA
District 7
02/28/2022
1 Item 10
Iraheta, Alba
From: Jonathan Edewards
Sent: Saturday, February 26, 2022 1:35 PM
To: PublicComment-AutoResponse
Cc: Gordo, Victor; Madison, Steve; Masuda, Gene; Kennedy, John J.; Wilson, Andy; Hampton, Tyron; Williams, Felicia; Rivas, Jessica
Subject: #10 - YES on a Zero-Emission Leaf Blower Policy for Pasadena Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button. Learn more....
I enjoy sleeping in, with the windows open. Ah, relaxation! But living in an apartment complex in Downtown Pasadena means that we're surrounded on all sides by other HOAs and apartment complexes, each with its own maintenance schedule on a different day. That means that at our complex on Monday, Thursday, & Saturday morning (and a few other afternoons) we gotta scramble to close the windows before the dust & exhaust gets blown inside, and our work (or sleep haha) is interrupted by the roar of those single-stroke gas engines. Oy!
I appreciate neatness, but on the other hand, are a few leaves such a bad thing? I urge you to support the adoption of a local, zero-emission, leaf blower policy.
Pasadena needs to do more to combat the climate crisis, and address air & NOISE pollution in our community.
According to the CA Air Resources Board (CARB), leaf blowers and other small off-road engines (SOREs) will emitted more pollution than all the light-duty passenger cars in California in 2021.
CARB estimates that one hour of operation of a commercial leaf blower can emit as much ROG and NOx as driving 1,100 miles in a 2017 Toyota Camry.
Pasadena has an opportunity to join communities across California in accelerating the adoption of cleaner, quieter, zero emission yard equipment. On September 1, 2021 our neighbors in the City of South Pasadena adopted a local policy that phases out the use of gas leaf blowers, effective October 1, 2022. South Pasadena's policy is designed to be non-punitive to small business owners by holding the property owner or tenant, whichever person authorizes the use of a gas-powered leaf blower, responsible for violations of the ordinance.
As a local resident I urge you to:
1. Adopt a local policy to phase out gas leaf blowers,
02/28/2022
1 Item 10
2. Limit the use of leaf blowers to the hardscape, and
3. Support local small businesses in taking this step.
Thank you for your commitment to clean air,
JONATHAN EDEWARDS
2 Iraheta, Alba
From: Michael Polka
Sent: Saturday, February 26, 2022 3:06 PM
To: PublicComment-AutoResponse
Subject: Agenda Item 10 - 1 Support a Zero-Emission Leaf Blower Policy for Pasadena CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button. Learn more...
Dear Mayor Gordo and members of the Pasadena City Council, As a Pasadena resident who cares deeply about the quality of the air we breathe each and every day, I urge you to support the adoption of a local, zero-emission, leaf blower policy.
Pasadena needs to do more to combat the climate crisis, reduce biodiversity loss, and address air pollution in our community.
According to the CA Air Resources Board (CARB), leaf blowers and other small off-road engines (SOREs) will emit more pollution than all the light-duty passenger cars in California in 2021. Engines in this category are primarily used for lawn, garden, and other outdoor power equipment, with an estimated 16.7 million in use across California, versus 13.7 million light-duty passenger cars. CARB estimates that one hour of operation of a commercial leaf blower can emit as much ROG and NOx as driving 1,100 miles in a 2017 Toyota Camry.
Leaf blowers are also destructive for the habitat of butterflies, beetles, bees, moths and other creatures that make their homes and lay their eggs in leaves. There is a knock-on effect on our wild bird populations who depend on healthy insect populations for their survival. Both bird and insect populations are in steep decline. The City should encourage residents to support local biodiversity by limiting the use of blowers to hardscape only.
Over half of household lawn and garden equipment is already zero-emission, but commercial landscapers have historically had lower adoption rates of zero-emission equipment. Equipment used for commercial purposes requires additional batteries and chargers, increasing the upfront costs of cleaner, healthier, zero-emission equipment. Fortunately local air quality districts such as SCAQMD already have programs in place to support commercial operators in making the transition, and the 2021-22 state budget includes $30 million in new funding to support such programs.
Pasadena has an opportunity to join communities across California in accelerating the adoption of cleaner, quieter, zero emission yard equipment. On September 1, 2021 our neighbors in the City of South Pasadena adopted a local policy that phases out the use of gas leaf blowers, effective October 1, 2022. South Pasadena's policy is designed to be non-punitive to small business owners by holding the property owner or tenant, whichever person authorizes the use of a gas-powered leaf blower, responsible for violations of the ordinance.
As a local resident I urge you to:
1. Adopt a local policy to phase out gas leaf blowers,
2. Limit the use of leaf blowers to the hardscape, and
3. Support local small businesses in taking this step.
Thank you for your commitment to clean air,
02/28/2022
1 Item 10
Regards,
Mike Polka
2 Iraheta, Alba
From: ROBERT GILLESPIE
Sent: Saturday, February 26, 2022 3:32 PM
To: PublicComment-AutoResponse
Subject: Please band leaf blowers
CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button. Learn more... https://mydoit.cityofpasadena.net/sp?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0010263>.
We have purchased an electric leaf blower. We have peace and quiet for the first time.
Bob Gillespie long time resident
Sent from my iPhone
02/28/2022
1 Item 10
Iraheta, Alba
From:
Sent: Saturday, February 26, 2022 3:38 PM
To: PublicComment-AutoResponse
Cc: Gordo, Victor; Madison, Steve; Masuda, Gene; Kennedy, John J.; Wilson, Andy; Hampton Tyron; Williams, Felicia; Rivas, Jessica
Subject: Agenda Item 10 - I Support a Zero-Emission Leaf Blower Policy for Pasadena CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button. Learn more...
Dear Mayor Gordo and members of the Pasadena City Council, As a Pasadena resident who cares deeply about the quality of the air we breathe each and every day, I urge you to support the adoption of a local, zero-emission, leaf blower policy.
Pasadena needs to do more to combat the climate crisis, reduce biodiversity loss, and address air pollution in our community.
According to the CA Air Resources Board (CARB), leaf blowers and other small off-road engines (SOREs) will emitted more pollution than all the light-duty passenger cars in California in 2021.
Engines in this category are primarily used for lawn, garden, and other outdoor power equipment, with an estimated 16.7 million in use across California, versus 13.7 million light-duty passenger cars. CARB estimates that one hour of operation of a commercial leaf blower can emit as much ROG and NOx as driving 1,100 miles in a 2017 Toyota Camry.
Leaf blowers are also destructive for the habitat of butterflies, beetles, bees, moths and other creatures that make their homes and lay their eggs in leaves. There is a knock-on effect on our wild bird populations who depend on healthy insect populations for their survival. Both bird and insect populations are in steep decline. The City should encourage residents to support local biodiversity by limiting the use of blowers to hardscape only.
Over half of household lawn and garden equipment is already zero-emission, but commercial landscapers have historically had lower adoption rates of zero-emission equipment. Equipment used for commercial purposes requires additional batteries and chargers, increasing the upfront costs of cleaner, healthier, zero-emission equipment. Fortunately local air quality districts such as SCAQMD already have programs in place to support commercial operators in making the transition, and the adopted 2021 CA state budget included $30 million in new funding to support such programs.
Pasadena has an opportunity to join communities across California in accelerating the adoption of cleaner, quieter, zero emission yard equipment. On September 1, 2021 our neighbors in the City of South Pasadena adopted a local policy that phases out the use of gas leaf blowers, effective October 1, 2022. South Pasadena's policy is designed to be non-punitive to small business owners by holding the property owner or tenant, whichever person authorizes the use of a gas-powered leaf blower, responsible for violations of the ordinance.
As a local resident / urge you to:
1. Adopt a local policy to phase out gas leaf blowers,
2. Limit the use of leaf blowers to the hardscape, and
3. Support local small businesses in taking this step.
Thank you for your commitment to clean air, Janis Forgetta 02/28/2022 Item 10
Iraheta, Alba
From: Loc Tran
Sent: Sunday, February 27, 2022 3:54 PM
To: PublicComment-AutoResponse
Subject: Agenda Item 10 - 1 Support a Zero-Emission Leaf Blower Policy for Pasadena CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button. Learn more...
Dear Mayor Gordo and members of the Pasadena City Council, As a Pasadena resident who cares deeply about the quality of the air we breathe each and every day, I urge you to support the adoption of a local, zero-emission, leaf blower policy.
Pasadena needs to do more to combat the climate crisis, reduce biodiversity loss, and address air pollution in our community.
According to the CA Air Resources Board (CARB), leaf blowers and other small off-road engines (SOREs) will emit more pollution than all the light-duty passenger cars in California in 2021. Engines in this category are primarily used for lawn, garden, and other outdoor power equipment, with an estimated 16.7 million in use across California, versus 13.7 million light-duty passenger cars. CARB estimates that one hour of operation of a commercial leaf blower can emit as much ROG and NOx as driving 1,100 miles in a 2017 Toyota Camry.
Leaf blowers are also destructive for the habitat of butterflies, beetles, bees, moths and other creatures that make their homes and lay their eggs in leaves. There is a knock-on effect on our wild bird populations who depend on healthy insect populations for their survival. Both bird and insect populations are in steep decline. The City should encourage residents to support local biodiversity by limiting the use of blowers to hardscape only.
Over half of household lawn and garden equipment is already zero-emission, but commercial landscapers have historically had lower adoption rates of zero-emission equipment. Equipment used for commercial purposes requires additional batteries and chargers, increasing the upfront costs of cleaner, healthier, zero-emission equipment. Fortunately local air quality districts such as SCAQMD already have programs in place to support commercial operators in making the transition, and the 2021-22 state budget includes $30 million in new funding to support such programs.
Pasadena has an opportunity to join communities across California in accelerating the adoption of cleaner, quieter, zero emission yard equipment. On September 1, 2021 our neighbors in the City of South Pasadena adopted a local policy that phases out the use of gas leaf blowers, effective October 1, 2022. South Pasadena's policy is designed to be non-punitive to small business owners by holding the property owner or tenant, whichever person authorizes the use of a gas-powered leaf blower, responsible for violations of the ordinance.
As a local resident I urge you to:
1. Adopt a local policy to phase out gas leaf blowers,
2. Limit the use of leaf blowers to the hardscape, and
3. Support local small businesses in taking this step.
Thank you for your commitment to clean air,
02/28/2022
1 Item 10
Loc Tran
Iraheta, Alba
From: jan van diver
Sent: Sunday, February 27, 2022 4:16 PM
To: PublicComment-AutoResponse
Subject: Agenda Item 10 - I Support a Zero-Emission Leaf Blower Policy for Pasadena CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button. Learn more....https://mydoit.cityofpasadena.net/sp?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0010263>.
Dear Mayor Gordo and members of the Pasadena City Council, As a Pasadena resident who cares deeply about the quality of the air we breathe each and every day, I urge you to support the adoption of a local, zero-emission, leaf blower policy.
Pasadena needs to do more to combat the climate crisis, reduce biodiversity loss, and address air pollution in our community.
According to the CA Air Resources Board (CARB), leaf blowers and other small off-road engines (SOREs) will emit more pollution than all the light-duty passenger cars in California in 2021. Engines in this category are primarily used for lawn, garden, and other outdoor power equipment, with an estimated 16.7 million in use across California, versus 13.7 million light-duty passenger cars. CARB estimates that one hour of operation of a commercial leaf blower can emit as much ROG and NOx as driving 1,100 miles in a 2017 Toyota Camry.
Leaf blowers are also destructive for the habitat of butterflies, beetles, bees, moths and other creatures that make their homes and lay their eggs in leaves. There is a knock-on effect on our wild bird populations who depend on healthy insect populations for their survival. Both bird and insect populations are in steep decline. The City should encourage residents to support local biodiversity by limiting the use of blowers to hardscape only.
Over half of household lawn and garden equipment is already zero-emission, but commercial landscapers have historically had lower adoption rates of zero-emission equipment. Equipment used for commercial purposes requires additional batteries and chargers, increasing the upfront costs of cleaner, healthier, zero-emission equipment.
Fortunately local air quality districts such as SCAQMD already have programs in place to support commercial operators in making the transition, and the 2021-22 state budget includes $30 million in new funding to support such programs.
Pasadena has an opportunity to join communities across California in accelerating the adoption of cleaner, quieter, zero emission yard equipment. On September 1, 2021 our neighbors in the City of South Pasadena adopted a local policy that phases out the use of gas leaf blowers, effective October 1, 2022. South Pasadena's policy is designed to be non-punitive to small business owners by holding the property owner or tenant, whichever person authorizes the use of a gas- powered leaf blower, responsible for violations of the ordinance.
As a local resident I urge you to:
1. Adopt a local policy to phase out gas leaf blowers, 2. Limit the use of leaf blowers to the hardscape, and 3. Support local small businesses in taking this step.
Thank you for your commitment to clean air,
02/28/2022
1 Item 10
RECEIVED
2022 FEB 28 AM 8: 57
CITY CLERK
PASADENA CITY OF TOENA
ANE
PASADENA IKU
AUDUBON day one
THROOP
SOCIETY UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST
BAN SUP C
TRANSITION
COMMUNITY 2.0 PASADENA
ARLINGTON
GARDEN
guy IN PASADENA
Amigos de los Rios
WY EAGLES WOMEN VOTERS • PASADENA AREA
February 27, 2022
Pasadena City Council
175 N. Garfield Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91101
RE: SUPPORT | Zero-Emission, Climate-Friendly Yard Equipment Policy for Pasadena Dear Mayor Gordo and members of the Pasadena City Council, 02/28/2022
Item 10
1 As community-based organizations and stakeholders committed to improving health, sustainability, and quality of life in Pasadena, we appreciate the City's efforts to implement its adopted Climate Action Plan. However, more direct action is needed in the short term in order to combat the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and air pollution in our community, including a strong local policy on the use of small off-road engines (SOREs).
Pasadena lies within an extreme non-attainment zone for air quality per US EPA; in other words, we live in one of the most polluted air basins in the United States. Small off-road engines (SORE) emit high levels of air pollutants -- including nitrogen oxides (NOx), reactive organic gases (ROG), and particulate matter (PM) -- and are predicted to surpass emissions from light-duty passenger cars in 2021. According to the CA Air Resources Board (CARB), engines in this category are primarily used for lawn, garden, and other outdoor power equipment, with an estimated 16.7 million in use across California, versus 13.7 million light-duty passenger cars. CARB estimates that one hour of operation of a commercial leaf blower can emit as much ROG and NOx as driving 1,100 miles in a 2017 Toyota Camry. This level of pollution disproportionately impacts the health and safety of lower-income workers who use the largely unregulated, polluting gas models for hours on any given work day.
The need for additional controls 80
The California Air Resources Board (CARB)
70 adopted emissions standards for small engines in
1990 and was the first agency in the world to control 60 SORE
emissions from these engines. Due to the
50 regulations put in place by CARB, small engines are
40-80% cleaner today than they were before the Smog-forming Emissions (tons per day) 40 program began. In the early 2020s, however, total 30
smog-forming emissions from small engines are Cars
20 projected to exceed those from passenger cars in
the South Coast Air Basin because passenger car 10-
emissions will continue to decrease. By 2031, small
engine emissions will be more than twice those 2016 2019 2022 2025 2028 2031 from passenger cars.
Chart illustrating projected rise in SORE emissions and reduction in vehicle emissions.
Source: CA Air Resources Board
Leaf blowers are also destructive for the habitat of butterflies, beetles, bees, moths and other creatures that make their homes and lay their eggs in leaves. There is a knock-on effect on our wild bird populations who depend on healthy insect populations for their survival. Both bird and insect populations are in steep decline. In addition to phasing out dirty gas blowers, Pasadena should also encourage residents to limit the use of leaf blowers to support local biodiversity. A local policy should limit the use of all leaf blowers to hardscapes only, and require that fallen leaves which are a crucial part of the foodweb not be blown off the property.
We Support a Clean Air Yard Equipment Policy for Pasadena - February 27, 2022 2 Over half of household lawn and garden equipment is already zero-emission, but commercial landscapers have historically had lower adoption rates of zero-emission equipment. Equipment used for commercial purposes requires additional batteries and chargers, increasing the upfront costs of cleaner, healthier, zero-emission equipment.
Fortunately local air quality districts such as SCAQMD already have programs in place to support commercial operators in making the transition. The Electric Lawn and Garden Equipment Incentive Program exchanges older, polluting gasoline- or diesel-powered commercial lawn and garden equipment for new zero emission, battery electric commercial grade equipment. The program allows participants to select from a variety of available makes and models of commercial-grade equipment, including handheld trimmers, chainsaws, pruners, backpack and handheld blowers and ride-on, stand-on, walk-behind and robotic lawn mowers. The adopted 2021-22 CA state budget included $30 million in new funding to support such programs.
Pasadena has an opportunity to join others across the state in acting locally to accelerate the adoption of cleaner, quieter, battery-electric yard equipment. On September 1, 2021 the South Pasadena City Council passed a local policy that phases out the use of gas leaf blowers, effective October 1, 2022. The City's policy is designed to be non-punitive to small business owners by holding the property owner or tenant, whichever person authorizes the use of a gas-powered leaf blower, responsible for violations of the ordinance. In 2021 the California State legislature also passed AB 1346, which was signed into law by Governor Newsom on October 8th. AB 1346 will ban the sale of new gas-powered leaf-blowers, lawnmowers, and other small off-road engines (SOREs) by 2024.
The undersigned urge the Pasadena City Council to join communities across California in adopting a local policy that:
1. phases out polluting gas yard equipment,
2. requires the use of zero emission yard equipment (e.g., electric-powered; hand yard sweepers, etc.)
3. limits the use of electric leaf blowers to the hardscape and requires that leaves not be blown off the property, and
4. supports local small businesses in taking this step.
Thank you for your commitment to clean air,
Rev. Tera Klein
Pastor
Throop Unitarian Universalist Church
Greg Apodaca
CEO
Community 2.0
Sylvia Holmes
Water Harvester
www.bioswale.org
Transition Pasadena/Transition US
We Support a Clean Air Yard Equipment Policy for Pasadena - February 27, 2022 3 Cheryl Auger
President
BAN SUP
Christy Zamani
Executive Director
Day One
Michelle Matthews
Executive Director
Arlington Garden in Pasadena
Martha Y. Zavala
President
League of Women Voters Pasadena Area
Lois Brunet
Program Director
Pasadena Audubon
David Diaz, MPH
Executive Director
Active San Gabriel Valley
Claire Robinson
Executive Director
Amigos de los Rios
Wes Reutimann
Co-organizer, Pasadena resident, District 6
Pasadena Environmental Advocates (PEAs)
Jonathan Levy
Zero Waste Consultant
Zero Waste Guy
We Support a Clean Air Yard Equipment Policy for Pasadena - February 27, 2022 Iraheta, Alba
From:
Sent: Sunday, February 27, 2022 7:08 PM
To: PublicComment-AutoResponse
Subject: Agenda Item 10 - I Support a Zero-Emission Leaf Blower Policy for Pasadena CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button. Learn more... https://mydoit.cityofpasadena.net/sp?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0010263>.
Dear Mayor Gordo and members of the Pasadena City Council, As a Pasadena resident who cares deeply about the quality of the air we breathe each and every day, I urge you to support the adoption of a local, zero-emission, leaf blower policy.
Pasadena needs to do more to combat the climate crisis, reduce biodiversity loss, and address air pollution in our community.
According to the CA Air Resources Board (CARB), leaf blowers and other small off-road engines (SOREs) will emit more pollution than all the light-duty passenger cars in California in 2021. Engines in this category are primarily used for lawn, garden, and other outdoor power equipment, with an estimated 16.7 million in use across California, versus 13.7 million light-duty passenger cars. CARB estimates that one hour of operation of a commercial leaf blower can emit as much ROG and NOx as driving 1,100 miles in a 2017 Toyota Camry.
Leaf blowers are also destructive for the habitat of butterflies, beetles, bees, moths and other creatures that make their homes and lay their eggs in leaves. There is a knock-on effect on our wild bird populations who depend on healthy insect populations for their survival. Both bird and insect populations are in steep decline. The City should encourage residents to support local biodiversity by limiting the use of blowers to hardscape only.
Over half of household lawn and garden equipment is already zero-emission, but commercial landscapers have historically had lower adoption rates of zero-emission equipment. Equipment used for commercial purposes requires additional batteries and chargers, increasing the upfront costs of cleaner, healthier, zero-emission equipment.
Fortunately local air quality districts such as SCAQMD already have programs in place to support commercial operators in making the transition, and the 2021-22 state budget includes $30 million in new funding to support such programs.
Pasadena has an opportunity to join communities across California in accelerating the adoption of cleaner, quieter, zero emission yard equipment. On September 1, 2021 our neighbors in the City of South Pasadena adopted a local policy that phases out the use of gas leaf blowers, effective October 1, 2022. South Pasadena's policy is designed to be non-punitive to small business owners by holding the property owner or tenant, whichever person authorizes the use of a gas- powered leaf blower, responsible for violations of the ordinance.
As a local resident l urge you to:
1. Adopt a local policy to phase out gas leaf blowers, 2. Limit the use of leaf blowers to the hardscape, and 3. Support local small businesses in taking this step.
Thank you for your commitment to clean air,
02/28/2022
1 Item 10
Iraheta, Alba
From: Therese Brummel
Sent: Sunday, February 27, 2022 9:28 PM
To: PublicComment-AutoResponse
Cc: Gordo, Victor; Madison, Steve; Masuda, Gene; Kennedy, John J.; Wilson, Andy; Hampton, Tyron; Williams, Felicia; Rivas, Jessica
Subject: Agenda Item 10 - I Support a Zero-Emission Leaf Blower Policy for Pasadena CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button. Learn more... https://mydoit.cityofpasadena.net/sp?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0010263>.
Dear Mayor Gordo and members of the Pasadena City Council, As a D2 Pasadenan who cares deeply about the quality of the air we breathe, I urge you to support the adoption of a zero-emission, leaf blower policy.
Pasadena must do more to combat the climate crisis, reduce biodiversity loss, and address air pollution.
According to the CA Air Resources Board (CARB), leaf blowers and other small off-road engines (SOREs) emitted more pollution than all the light-duty passenger cars in California in 2021. CARB estimates that one hour of operation of a commercial leaf blower can emit as much NOx as driving 1,100 miles in a 2017 Toyota Camry.
Leaf blowers are also destructive for the habitat of butterflies, beetles, bees, moths and other creatures that make their homes and lay their eggs in leaves. There is an effect on our wild bird populations which depend on healthy insect populations for their survival. Both bird and insect numbers are in steep decline. The City should encourage residents to support local biodiversity by limiting the use of blowers to hardscape only.
Pasadena has an opportunity to join communities across California in accelerating the adoption of cleaner, quieter, zero emission yard equipment. On September 1, 2021 our neighbors in the City of South Pasadena adopted a local policy that phases out the use of gas leaf blowers, effective October 1, 2022. South Pasadena's policy is designed to be non-punitive to small business owners by holding the property owner or tenant, whichever person authorizes the use of a gas- powered leaf blower, responsible for violations of the ordinance.
I urge you to:
1. Adopt a local policy to phase out gas leaf blowers, 2. Limit the use of leaf blowers to the hardscape, and 3. Support local small businesses in taking this step.
Thank you for your commitment to clean air, Therese Brummel 02/28/2022
1 Item 10