BILL NUMBER:  S1972

 TITLE OF BILL :

An act to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in
relation to prohibiting the use of power leaf and lawn blowers

 PURPOSE :

Prohibits gasoline powered leaf and lawn blowers in the city of New
York.

 SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS :

Section 1 of this bill amends the administrative code of the city of
New York by adding a new section 17-126 which states that no person
shall operate a gasoline or diesel powered leaf and lawn blower for
any purpose and that any person who violates the provisions of this
section shall be subject to a civil fine of not more than one hundred
dollars.

Section 2 of this bill states that this act shall take effect after 30
days.

 JUSTIFICATION :

              

Gasoline-powered leaf blowers are not only noisy, but bad for the
environment and for our health. The two-stroke engine found in many
models creates for a major environmental hazard. That engine is used
frequently because it is lightweight and cheap. However, the engine
emits a number of air pollutants, including carbon monoxide, nitrous
oxides and hydrocarbons in large quantities. These gases contribute to
smog, are known as carcinogenic, and can cause acid rain. Further,
these engines have been shown to emit contaminants comparable to large
automobiles. For example, in 2011 a test by the car experts at Edmunds
showed that a consumer-grade leaf blower emits more pollutants than a
6,200-pound 2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor.

Organizations, such as the American Lung Association, are concerned
with the health implications of the wide-spread use of these devices.
Leaf blowers can stir up irritating allergens and toxins like mold,
feces and dried urine, and a myriad of chemicals used on yards and
gardens-which can remain airborne for hours.

This bill would ban the use of gasoline powered leaf blowers in the
city of New York to curb air pollution and protect the health of
residents.

 LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :

New Bill.

 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS :

To be determined.

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
This act shall take effect after 30 days.