California Considering a Ban on New Sales of Gas-Powered OPE: Report

California’s state lawmakers are considering a bill that would ban the sale of new gas-powered leaf-blowers, lawnmowers and other “small off-road engines.”

Members of the state’s Assembly Natural Resources Committee advanced the proposed law, Assembly Bill 1346, in late April. If approved, the ban would go into effect on January 1, 2024, or once the California Air Resources Board (CARB) determines it to be feasible.

The bill also directs CARB to provide funding to state air districts and offer rebates to commercial users, such as landscapers, to buy zero-emission equipment.

The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) opposes the bill. Greg Knott, VP standards and regulatory affairs, said that the bill poses numerous technology, feasibility, economic and implementation challenges for industry stakeholders:

“Collectively, these challenges are insurmountable and will result in significant hardships for manufacturers, retailers and end users, culminating in an early market shortfall of products with high consumer need and demand,” he stated, according to the Sacramento Bee.

The bill passed through the Assembly Natural Resources Committee on a 7-3 vote; it next moves to the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

The full text of the AB-1346 bill can be read on the California Legislative Information website.

Read the coverage of the proposed bill by the Sacramento Bee by clicking here.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Check Also
Close