New Jersey legislation targets gas-powered leaf blowers

Proposed legislation in New Jersey aims to restrict or ban the use and sale of gas-powered leaf blowers. Senate Bill S623, introduced by Senator Bob Smith, has remained in the Senate Environment and Energy Committee since its introduction on January 13.

If passed, the bill would prohibit the sale of two-stroke gas blowers within two years. After four years, the ban would extend to all two-stroke blowers and restrict four-stroke blowers in residential areas. The legislation also includes specific seasonal restrictions for four-stroke blowers in non-residential areas.

While some municipalities like Maplewood and Montclair have already implemented local bans or restrictions, the statewide measure has not yet progressed through the legislature. Previous attempts to ban all gas-powered lawn equipment, such as bills A3906 and A1851, failed in committee.