The Alexandria City Council has taken a major step toward phasing out gas-powered leaf blowers, advancing an ordinance that addresses both environmental pollution and noise complaints. On Tuesday, the council voted 5-1 in favor of the First Reading of the ordinance, signaling growing support for more sustainable landscaping practices.
Key Points
Ban Details: The ordinance proposes a citywide ban on gas-powered leaf blowers, with a phased implementation:
City departments must comply within one year.
The general public and private contractors would have an 18-month transition period.
Why It Matters: The ban is driven by health, environmental, and quality-of-life concerns.
Jesse Maines, Stormwater Management division chief, underscored the impact by noting:
“Running a gas-powered leaf blower for one hour is comparable to driving from DC to Miami in a new car.”
Amendments: Originally slated for a two-year transition, the phase-out period was reduced to 18 months following an amendment by Councilwoman Jacinta Greene, accepted by Councilman John Chapman.
What’s Next
A public hearing and final vote are scheduled for Saturday, May 17. If approved, Alexandria would join a growing list of U.S. cities moving to ban or heavily restrict gas-powered landscaping equipment in favor of quieter, cleaner electric alternatives.
This decision follows increasing national momentum to regulate small gas engines, which are known to emit disproportionately high levels of pollution and cause disruptive noise.
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