Photo: The Press Democrat
Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a bill into law that phases out the sale of gas-powered leaf blowers, lawn mowers and other small off-road engines by as soon as 2024.
Assembly Bill 1346 directs the California Air Resources Board to phase out the sale of small off-road engines, including generators, by 2024. Under the new law, retailers will be limited to selling zero-emission equipment, such as electric- or battery-powered gear as part of an effort to cut down on emissions. The California Air Resources Board has already started working on a rule to do this, a lengthy process scheduled to conclude early next year. But the law Newsom signed on Saturday removes any doubt, ordering the agency to apply the new rule by Jan. 1, 2024, or as soon as regulators determine is “feasible,” whichever date is later.
“Gov. .Newsom signing (this law) really sets a strong course to not only his commitment to transitioning to zero emissions but also to cleaner air and healthier lungs,” said Will Barrett, director of clean air advocacy for the American Lung Association in California.