By 2027 or 2030, Dallas intends to outlaw gasoline-powered lawnmowers, leaf blowers, trimmers, and other landscaping equipment, its government recently announced.
The city government of Dallas may soon ban gasoline-powered lawnmowers, leaf blowers, and other landscaping tools, The Dallas Morning News reported.
Banning Gas-Powered Lawn Equipment
For assistance in developing a transition plan and assessing its effects on the general public, the city has hired a consulting team. For instance, Dallas officials need to be aware of how practical it is for ordinary households to transition to non-gasoline equipment or the number of lawn and landscaping companies in the city, NBSDFW revealed.
Susan Alvarez, assistant director of the Dallas environmental quality and sustainability office, claims that the Texas secretary of state’s office needs to keep track of small enterprises. She made this statement during the City Council’s Environment and Sustainable Committee meeting.
The city in August estimated it would cost $6.5 million to convert more than 5,400 pieces of gas-powered municipal equipment fully, and the cost for residents and business owners to switch was estimated to be $23 million.
But the proposed ban faces opposition from the Texas Nursery and Landscape Association, representing more than 1,400 industry members, including 60 based in Dallas.
Suggested Transition
Dallas officials also cite research demonstrating that leaf blowers have a decibel level that ranges from a vacuum cleaner to a car horn as another cause for concern. There is also worry that the pollutants from gas-powered tools, which make up a significant section of the labor force, may disproportionately affect the health and environment of people of color.
The city’s environmental commission has previously suggested recommendations for a transition plan. The city government will start reducing its use of gas-powered landscaping equipment, then permit large landscaping companies to begin transitioning the following year. After this, medium-sized groups and finally residents and small businesses 12 months later.
The commission also suggested providing financial incentives to locals and small businesses, spending at least 10 weeks educating the public about the potential policy change in English and Spanish, and soliciting comments from the neighborhood before the whole council approved a plan, the Eagle Tribute reported.
