Town Imposes Seasonal Restrictions On Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — After controversy from some residents, the Southampton Town board voted Tuesday to green light a resolution that puts the brakes on gas-powered leaf blowers during the summer months.

According to the legislation, sponsored by Southampton Town Councilman John Bouvier, there is a seasonal ban on the gas-powered leaf blowers from May 20 to Sept. 20.

The gas-powered blowers can be used within the unincorporated portions of the Town of Southampton from September 21 through and including May 19, but must adhere to regulations, including operation only between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, and no use at all on Sundays or federal holidays, the legislation said.

In addition, walk-behind gas powered leaf blowers may not be used unless the property that is being cleaned is greater than a half acre. And no more than a total of two gas powered handheld or backpack leaf blowers may be used at a time, unless the property that is being cleaned is greater than a half acre.

Town officials lauded the measure. “The passage of this legislation is yet another step towards the Town of Southampton’s sustainability goals to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and be responsive to protecting our residents’ quality of life,” said Bouvier “I want thank the members of our sustainability committee for their hard work to realize this legislation.”

The town’s sustainability committee advocated for the law, citing the negative impacts of gas leaf blowers on the environment, reduction of greenhouse emissions, health and quality of life.

Dieter von Lehsten, co-chair of the sustainability committee, weighed in: “The committee is delighted to report that a 4-year effort to get a law on the books restricting the use of gas leaf blowers during the summer months has finally come to fruition. Southampton now joins many of our municipal neighbors with similar law. We thank the town board for their constructive assistance and a vote to make this possible for the better of the environment and our quality of life.”

Some protested the measure, citing concerns about the impacts on small business owners and the costs of electric equipment.

The new law goes into effect immediately upon filing with the secretary of state, with a grace period until September 20.