The Miami Beach City Commission voted unanimously on Thursday to phase out gasoline-powered leaf blowers as part of the city’s commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Commissioner Mark Samuelian, who sponsored the ordinance, said there are a number of alternative options for residents who wish to keep their properties tidy and manage grass and landscaping cuttings.
“Portable or plug-in electric leaf blowers are just as effective as gas-powered units, and they avoid the pollution and greenhouse gas emissions,” Samuelian explained.
Similar to the city’s regulation on polystyrene and plastic straws/stirrers, the new ordinance will follow a phased implementation approach. This includes a nine-month educational period from Feb. 1 – Oct. 31 followed by a nine-month warning period from Nov. 1 to Jul. 1, 2023. Full enforcement will commence on Aug. 1, 2023
“This ordinance will also help mitigate other environmental impacts such as air pollution and water quality,” Samuelian noted. The measure was co-sponsored by Commissioners Alex Fernandez, Steven Meiner and David Richardson.
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January 21, 2022 | Miami Beach | Miami Beach Phases Out Gasoline-Powered Leaf Blowers
