Montgomery County issued the following news release on Wednesday, June 26:
The first phase of a new law will phase out the sale and use of gas-powered leaf blowers and leaf vacuums in Montgomery County will go into effect on Monday, July 1, when the sale of the items will be prohibited. Bill 18-22 was approved by the County Council in September 2023 and signed into law by County Executive Marc Elrich.
The law provides that use of the gas-powered equipment will be banned starting on July 1, 2025. After July 1, 2025, the penalties for use of banned equipment will be $500 per violation.
The new law will:
- Prohibit sale of handheld, backpack, and walk-behind gas-powered leaf blowers and leaf vacuums starting July 1, 2024.
- Prohibit use of handheld, backpack, and walk-behind gas-powered leaf blowers and leaf vacuums starting July 1, 2025.
- Authorize a rebate program to begin on July 1, 2024, and run through Dec. 2026 to partially offset the cost of replacing a gas-powered leaf blower or leaf vacuum with an electric leaf blower or leaf vacuum.
- Exempt the use of gas leaf-blower equipment for agricultural producers.
- Maintain noise ordinance limits for leaf blowers and leaf vacuums not to exceed 70 decibels at 50 feet.
The law applies to private property, commercial property, local government and Montgomery County Government. The law does not apply to Montgomery County Public Schools and Montgomery Parks, which are managed by the State of Maryland.
The County’s ban on gas-powered leaf blowers reduces harmful air emissions and continued reliance on fossil fuels. It also lessens health impacts that contribute to hearing loss, cardiovascular and respiratory disease and other health issues.
The County has developed a rebate program for the purchase of electric leaf blowers. For questions email [email protected]. Businesses and residents with a Montgomery County street address are eligible.
- Rebates for landscapers with revenue under $250,000 annually or five or less employees can receive up to $1,500 in one 12-month period.
- Landscapers with revenue of more than $250,000 or six or more employees can receive up to $1,000 in one 12-month period.
- Residents can receive up to $100 for one rebate.
For more information on Bill 18-22, click here.