Encinitas' Gas Leaf Blower Ban Is About To Go Into Effect

From the City of Encinitas:

Posted 12/16/2019

Encinitas, CA – Encinitas will become quieter, cleaner, and friendlier to the environment starting on December 20, 2019, the date after which gas-powered leaf blowers will be prohibited for all business owners and commercial operators. Residents must stop using gas-powered leaf blowers by January 20, 2020.

The City has eased the transition to its new Leaf Blower Ordinance for residents and business operators since last August, offering rebates for the purchase of electric or battery-powered leaf blowers which are significantly quieter and cleaner. To date, almost 80 residents and businesses have received rebates.

In addition to banning gas-powered leaf blowers, the City now requires that leaf blower devices may only be used between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and between 12 noon and 5 p.m. on Sundays.Blowers must also be used responsibly to control dust and noise.

The City estimates that the ordinance will reduce local greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 128 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions (MTCO2E) by the end of 2020, and 142 MTCO2E by 2030. The City’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) goal is to reduce GHG emissions by 41% by 2030, and the ordinance will help the City take a large step toward achieving this milestone.

A copy of the ordinance, along with details about the rebate program, has been posted on the City’s Leaf Blower Ordinance webpage.

This press release was produced by the City of Encinitas. The views expressed here are the author’s own.