North Four Corners News ♦ February 2023

Council Takes on Leaf Blower Bill

On 13 February, the Transportation and Environment Committee of the Montgomery County Council will consider amendments to Bill 18-22, dealing with Noise Control and Leaf Removal.  A hearing was previously held on this bill on 20 September 2022.

According to the staff report prepared for that hearing, Bill 18-22 would “prohibit the sale of a combustion engine-powered handheld, backpack, or walk-behind leaf blower or leaf vacuum six months after the legislation is enacted.

“Further, it would prohibit the use of combustion engine-powered handheld, backpack, or walk-behind leaf blowers or leaf vacuums a year after the legislation is enacted.

“Bill 18-22 would also authorize DEP to establish a reimbursement program by providing a partial credit, subject to regulations, for residents and businesses who purchase an electric leaf blower and in exchange return the gas-powered leaf blower or leaf vacuum to the County.  To receive the credit, the gas-powered leaf removal equipment must be purchased prior to a certain date.”

[This article was truncated in the printed newsletter.]   ■

Text of Bill 18-22