Massachusetts Town Considers Banning Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers

Fall will soon be kicking into high gear, and so will gas-powered leaf blowers. But that could change in future years, should a new ordinance prevail banning the lawn-care machines around Newton, Mass.

Alderman Ted Hess-Mahan introduced the legislation.

The citywide ban would affect only gas-powered leaf blowers, not those run on electricity, and would be punishable according to a system of fines. The Programs and Services Committee is scheduled to review the new legislation in a public meeting.

Several California cities have banned the use of gas-powered leaf blowers. The city of Cambridge is also considering restricting the time and use of such machines.

Should it be approved by committee members and the full Board of Aldermen, the ban would not go into effect until Jan. 1, 2009. That gives gardeners and landscaping companies some time to switch over.

The gas-powered blowers, Hess-Mahan said, typically have a lifespan of two to three years.

Newton stores selling such blowers will be required to post notices informing customers of the citywide ban.

First-time violators will be given a warning. Any consecutive violations will receive a heavier slap on the wrist, with penalties increasing from $75 for a second offense up to $300 for fourth and subsequent offenses.

Landscaping company employers, not their employees, will be found liable should they violate the ordinance.