Panel Hears Proposals for Leaf Blower Alternatives
Los Angeles City Council members held a hearing Friday on developing alternatives to gasoline-powered leaf blowers.
Gardeners, vendors and manufacturers told the council panel that they will explore options to help ease the impact of a citywide ban on the blowers, which takes effect Friday.
Council members, though sympathetic to the gardeners, reiterated that they cannot prevent the ban from taking effect but will encourage manufacturers to develop alternatives to the gas-powered blowers.
“I cannot, will not enact some kind of moratorium on the law,” said Councilman Mike Hernandez, who led the meeting and is one of the strongest supporters of the gardeners.
Vendors and a gardener demonstrated their wares, showing battery-powered and water-powered machines. The Department of Water and Power chief said a task force will help develop alternatives. DWP General Manager S. David Freeman said he could allocate $1 million for research and development of the new devices.
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