A MAJOR county located in a US state has completely banned gas-powered leaf blowers – in a new law that went into effect on July 1.
Lawmakers are seemingly taking the new ruling seriously as those who are caught still using them will risk a fine of $500.
A US state has enforced a bold ban on gas-powered leaf blowers to combat noise pollution, environmental harm and health risks[/caption]
But local landscapers voice concerns over high costs and reduced efficiency of electric leaf blowers[/caption]
Officials prioritizing public health while landscapers struggle with the financial burden of electric alternatives[/caption]
According to FOX5, the ban aims to address noise pollution and environmental concerns.
First-time violators will face a $500 fine, while repeat offenders could be fined $750.
However, initially, enforcement will focus on educating residents and businesses about the new law – with a grace period of sorts expected.
What’s more, Councilmember Gabe Albornoz has introduced a bill which makes professional landscapers exempt from the ban – arguing that electric alternatives are less powerful and significantly more expensive.
He said: “It’s just been proven that the electric leaf blowers are not as strong, and they also cost three times as much as the gas-powered leaf blowers.”
The exemption proposal won’t be reviewed until July 15, but a $1,500 rebate program will be available starting July 1 to help landscapers transition to electric equipment.
The ban, which is effective across Montgomery County, Maryland, not only applies to private and commercial properties, but also to local and county government use.
However, it exempts Montgomery County Public Schools and Montgomery Parks, which are managed by the state.
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich opposes the exemption, stating that public health and environmental concerns outweigh the financial burden.
He told reporters: “I understand it costs money to keep people safe and deal with the leaf blowers.
“But somehow, a person should suffer negative health because someone doesn’t want to buy a battery?”
Landscaping businesses, too, have raised concerns about the cost and practicality of switching to electric blowers – including issues such as increased weight and worker discomfort.
Finn Neilsen, a local landscaper who owns Pineapple Landscaping in Bethesda, added: “That whole unit is close to $2,000.
“I can buy a gas-powered leaf blower – on the higher end – for maybe $400, $500, or $600. This is $2,000!”
The ruling, though, is straightforward, aiming to reduce harmful emissions, decrease reliance on fossil fuels and reduce health risks such as hearing loss and respiratory diseases.
Elsewhere, a new law that’s come into effect in a major US state could see many drivers in serious trouble – but they can avoid any issues by making a simple purchase from Walmart.
The licence plate ruling that eliminates paper tags and replaces them with permanent metal plates began on July 1.
The law, enacted through House Bill 718, aims to address issues such as fraud, toll violations and crimes associated with counterfeit paper tags.
As a replacement, temporary metal tags with color-coded borders will be issued for specific situations, such as out-of-state purchases and test drives.
Indeed, there are four types of temporary metal tags with different color borders – purple, blue, green, and red – all for specific situations such as provisional buyers, out-of-state purchases, dealer use and limited-use vehicles.
Law enforcement have highlighted concerns around criminals potentially stealing metal plates, which could lead to toll violations and crimes committed in the vehicle owner’s name.
Expert advice on prepping your car for summer
Dustin Piggot, the Service Manager at a Subaru Dealership with years of technincal experience, told The U.S. Sun in an exclusive interview which items drivers should have checked before temperatures rise:
- Have a multi-point inspection performed. A paid inspection will prompt a technician to check vital systems like braking, power steering, and front and rear suspension for any leaks or malfunctions. They will also test the condition of the battery and check vital fluid levels and conditions.
- Cooling system. Before things heat up, drivers must have their cooling system inspected for proper coolant levels and condition, have radiator hoses evaluated, and have the radiator checked.
- Have your A/C system checked. If freon is low and needs charging or parts need to be replaced, it’s essential to address the issue before temperatures rise.
- Make sure your tires are appropriate for warmer weather. If you live in a climate that necessitates a dedicated winter tire, swap them with all-season or summer tires if possible to extend the life of the winter tire. Winter tires are softer and will wear out much quicker in warmer weather.
- Look at tread depth. Tires with low tread depth will make it more difficult to stop your car if you need to avoid an accident.
- Give your car some TLC. Before it gets too hot, Piggott says it’s important to give your car a good cleaning to wash away winter grime and dirt and treat your paint to a nice coat of wax to protect it from harsh UV rays and high heat. Many dealerships like his offer detailing and washing services.
Read more here.
