Brent Ruffner highlights an often-overlooked contributor to pollution: gas-powered leaf blowers. While they help landscaping crews clear debris from sidewalks, they also stir up dust and emit significant amounts of pollutants. These leaf blowers, with their two-cycle engines burning gas-oil mixtures, contribute to ozone pollution. In fact, tests by Edmunds’ InsideLine.com show that a consumer-grade leaf blower can emit more pollutants than a 6,200-pound 2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor.
In addition to their environmental impact, gas-powered leaf blowers are notorious for generating noise pollution. As a result, many states and local governments have begun to restrict or ban gas-powered lawn care equipment to address both emissions and noise concerns. Canada is also considering such measures, as noted in a CBC Radio article from October 2024.
To address this issue locally, one suggestion is to ask the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors to research the environmental and health impacts of gas-powered leaf blowers. This could lead to discussions about potential regulations or alternative solutions.
Related topics:
- Conservationists Push for Gas-Powered Leaf Blower Ban on Martha’s Vineyard
- Los Angeles County Bans Leaf Blowers Due to Poor Air Quality
- Eureka Unveils J15 Max Ultra Robot Vacuum at CES 2025
