Ellen Lautenberg is a Representative Town Meeting member from District 7, and chair of the RTM’s Environment Committee.
She has watched with interest the debate over implementation of Westport’s Gas Leaf Blower Ordinance. She writes:
After reading the comments on “06880” about how one unfortunate result of the gas leaf blower ban that took effect May 15 was that people are yelling at landscapers, I want to correct some possible misconceptions.
First, it was created by its sponsors to reduce the health and environmental hazards of gas-powered blowers — namely air pollution and carcinogens — and secondarily, the level of noise.
Screenshot
It allows for electric leaf blowers to be used instead. It is not a noise ordinance. That is a separate issue that would need to be addressed by a new ordinance. In addition, remember that electric blowers make noise too — just not quite as much as gas blowers.
Second, it is being implemented from May 15 to October 15 purposely, because there is minimal need for leaf or grass blowing then, compared to the fall.
This allows landscapers to get used to the process of purchasing and using electric blowers on a smaller scale, as a transition to hopefully using them more year round.
In part, this is due to the electric equipment still not being as inexpensive and efficient as the gas-powered version, but that is changing gradually. The timing was in response to landscapers’ concerns.
A noisy gas-powered leaf blower …
Third, it is not the landscapers’ responsibility, but that of the homeowner to make sure their landscapers know about the ordinance.
Nor is it designed to punish homeowners or landscapers. It would be impossible for the town to know every landscape company that works in Westport, and to enforce the operation of literally dozens of companies.
The Conservation Department is doing their best to respond to calls, but their ability to truly enforce something of this magnitude is limited. This will hopefully make homeowners and landscapers more aware and encourage them to utilize electric options.
Fourth, the ordinance also limited the hours that electric leaf blowers may be used during the summer months to between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., to at least provide some relief before and after those times.
In essence, it was intended as a step in the right direction to protect the health and well-being of residents and landscapers as well as the environment, not as a totally comprehensive long-term plan.
As most people know, big transitions take time, and no perfect plan will satisfy everyone. We hope that as more landscaping equipment becomes easier to get in electric form, this will lead to fewer gas-powered items being used.
… and an electric leaf blower.
Here is the relevant portion of the ordinance:
42-103. Regulation of leaf blower activity.
Electric-powered leaf blowers may be used during the approved hours on all properties within the town.
Beginning on May 15, 2023, gas-powered leaf blowers may not be used on any state or federal holiday.
Beginning on May 15, 2024, gas-powered leaf blowers may not be used during summer.
The use of gas-powered leaf blowers and electric-powered leaf blowers shall be permitted for storm condition clean-up, emergency situations affecting the health or safety of residents, and snow removal operations.
The provisions of this article shall not apply to the use of leaf blowers on state- or town-owned property, or on any property in excess of 20 acres except residential communities, or the use of leaf blowers by public utilities.
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Not the landscaper’s responsibility to know the regs regarding use of landscaper’s equipment, it’s the homeowners?…bullshit. Homeowner 1-may not even be home or in residence at time of usage and 2-may not want to be the ‘bad guy’ toward folks working on her/his property….that stupidity is like saying it’s not the driver’s job to know the speed limit, its up to the passenger.
Dan does make a valid point!
Totally agree
I think the new rule is a great idea, although in the mid 1950s we just raked the leaves to the road’s edge and burned them.
If it’s not a noise ordinance, why are electric leaf blowers limited to 8-6? It’s because of the noise , making this a noise ordinance masquerading as health/environment. Also that ordinance language looks like it was written by 6th graders. “ Beginning on May 15, 2024, gas-powered leaf blowers may not be used during summer.” Which is it – May 15 or summer?
100% correct. Not a noise ordinance my as*
these rules applies to all but not government locations??? does this sound familiar to anyone?? lead by example! the hypocrisy is laughable
Rules For Thee…But Not For Me!
Agree with Mr. Katz. Whether it’s our demolition delay ordinance (which, ahem, also has no enforcement mechanism) or the leafblower ordinance, it is ultimately the responsibility of contractors to understand the relevant local regulations which apply to their particular scope of work. Homeowners can and should play a role but contractors are not children.
I agree that’s it’s the landscapers responsibility to know and abide by the ordinance. The homeowner hires a company that Should know the law. A car dealership is not responsible for how you drive the car they sold you. Same scenario. In my travels around town I see and hear many gas powered blowers still being used by landscapers. There needs to be a better plan for enforcement. Right now it’s totally inadequate
the electric blowers are inadequate. The electric blowers are weak and cannot last more than an hour. The homeowner will not be happy with the results. The homeowner will have to pay for the cost of buying electric blowers plus there is a new rechargeable battery system for blower batteries that cost $4000. will homeowners be willing to pay more just like when electric vehicles hit the market.
Passing a law without adequate enforcement capability is the ultimate admission of dysfunctional gov’t!!!
Sounds like the town is getting too many calls… Of course it’s a noise ordinance. Please own it. The health benefits are certainly important too. Howeowners can and should speak with their landscapers but businesses should also know the rules of the towns they serve. And the Town should lead by example.
If and when this is ever enforced, landscapers will have to buy new, less powerful equipment that will add to time it takes to complete a job. Those added costs will be passed on to homeowners. But the heavy pollution from gas powered blowers used by govt, public utilities, and large land owners will continue to pollute the air. Thanks *TM (R removed to reflect the lack of members who actually represent their constituencies).
Thanks Representative Lautenberg for amplifying the ordinance passed by the RTM… that Representatives are willing to stand up for the health and well-being of the constituents is good.
The American Lung Association report card indicates that Westporters live and breath air that is dangerous to our health: we get a grade of “F” for high ozone days and a “C” for particle pollution.
That our local, state, and national governments aren’t moving towards more protective legislation and voluntarily adopting more healthy measures is shameful.
Ambient air pollution—according to the World Health Organization—causes premature death due to stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections.
you posted this in a different thread. and i replied: stopping leaf blower use will not make any remote dent in the air quality in westport. maybe removing i95 will. have you seen how much soot ends up on things from i95, within a mile of the highway? its alarming. we all breathe it in. also, don’t forget the wildfires and pollutants from hundreds or thousands of miles away that regularly end up in the air that we breathe.
I posted the failing grade for this region that the American Lung Association has given us in other places… including a link to the association’s page.
Your saying the situation is so hopeless anyone can run polluting equipment, and my suggestion that everyone should take steps to improve the environment is where we seem to disagree. I’ll probably be saying it with my last breath, and as you breath your last you’ll probably be, too.
A couple of points: First, the ordinance specifically defines “summer” as: “Summer shall mean the days beginning on May 15th and ending on October 15th of each year.” Second, there is no need to blow grass clippings, which is what landscapers use them for the most in summer. And third, the pollution and health impact of these machines cannot be overstated. Each year in Fairfield Co., they produce as much pollution as 1.1 million cars–each traveling 10,500 miles. (In one hour, one blower produces as much pollution as driving a car 1100 miles.) It’s a dirty little secret that we already have some of the worst air in the country–even before the fires in Canada, we had about 22 days each summer where our air was over the ozone limit set by the EPA. Buying Teslas may make us feel good, but if we wanted to address our air quality, we needed to do something about gas blowers. And BTW, Greenwich and Norwalk have already followed suit.
Perhaps some of the Minuteman signage could be in Spanish?
When I’d have a Tag Sale I always put out some signs in Spanish; guess who showed up??
When Westport passed a town ordinance regarding no more plastic bags, how did every store owner in town find out? But they knew. Having said that, is there any reason a homeowner can’t call his landscaper and tell him about the Town’s ordinance? Be the messenger, not the ‘bad guy’.
there are trucks idling all over town. Constrction happens all over town with generators and compressors. The cut guy ing of wood and other materials are noisy. Garbage trucks pick up 5 am in the morning clanking up and down streets and in and out of driveways. There are power washers all over town running 5 hours min stop. There are werdwackers everywhere and they are noisy and polluting. Then there are the fancy fast noise machine Porsche and more making outrageous acceleration and noise. There are tree cutters with wood chippers right now in dog park parking lots sensing loud noise throughout 06880. If we want to solve pollution and noise and tranquility these issues should be addressed. Stop making the blower the only problem.
Consider this reality: People who make a lot of noise LIKE to make a lot of noise.
Oh, horseshit, Peter. Grow the f up!
The smallest man in 06880 on his oversized keyboard with his tuff guy reply.
Ellen makes the case for NOT having this ordinance: “We hope that as more landscaping equipment becomes easier to get in electric form, this will lead to fewer gas-powered items being used.”
It’s true. As gas powered landscaping equipment is being phased out in favor of more powerful and affordable electric versions, landscapers and homeowners will move to electric. No legislation needed.
As such, if the RTM did NOTHING, the problem will solve itself. If the RTM wishes to ACCELERATE the migration to electric equipment, how about creating INCENTIVES for people to move in that direction? That would show leadership.
Not even the best intentions and motives are enough.
Whether for health ,noise or other ,it matters little in the end .
If there is no responsibility to comply and no accountability assigned then all that remains is resolute “ignorability.”
Rakes are relatively inexpensive and healthy to use. A few leaves here and there are a beautiful signature of nature.
As a huge proponent of the seasonal ban, I’m willing to admit that the horrific noise these machines emit is the main reason I absolutely cannot stand them. If the pollution level was the same but they were silent, I can’t say I would be as invested. That’s my bad and I own it. But the pollution and environmental effects make it even more obvious that gas leaf blowers are completely evil. Since the ban came into effect, I have seen some gas blowers around, but usage seems to me way down, so something is working. When I’ve seen it on my street, I’ve sent respectful texts to neighbors. When I’ve seen it in my neighborhood, I put a gentle reminder in a mailbox. Hopefully that works. Since there isn’t a Big Brother or Big Sister piping all news and laws throughout the land on ubiquitous loudspeakers, full adherence to a new ordinance is going to take a little time. That’s fine by me, I’m willing to be (a little) patient. Hopefully in the not-too-distant future the gas blower will go the way of the Concorde, but in the meantime I’m just very grateful that we’ve come this far. I’ll take five months of peace and quiet!
I’ve read some complaints above about the new ordinance. But I think it’s fabulous and a solid step in the right direction. We Westporters all love our little bit of paradise in our backyards, and anything that makes our time outdoors more pleasant is wonderful.
I remember last year there was something that limited landscaping on weekends except for homeowners who mow their own lawns. Is that still in effect? I would be very supportive of a ban on all commercial landscapers for the entire weekend. Nothing like having guests and suddenly a horrific roar interrupts a nice lunch.
Another thing neighbors can do—get on a mowing/blowing schedule on the same day of the week. Perhaps choose a landscaping company that services many properties on one street. I think the landscapers would be thrilled with the efficiency of that.
Our landscaper did raise his price after several years of holding it steady. He went from $50 per week to $55. So for a 26 week season, we’re paying $130 more. I consider that a pretty low price for such a significant quality of life improvement.
This could have been such an easy ‘fix’ if there was the political will and grass roots effort. Having spoken to a half dozen landscapers; Without any consequences, they are willing to ignore the rule and laugh at it, literally. This is a toothless ordinance. Having knocked on homeowner doors to let them know, I can tell you most are not at home to breathe the polluted air or listen to the deafening noise. I’m done wasting my breath breathing at these ‘crime’ scenes. It’s clear to me this ordnance has wasted a lot of the RTM and home owners time. Congratulations Westport residents lost the fight, and yes Mark Mathis is right it will eventually shift but in the meantime it is shortening your and your children’s lives, and ruining your ‘summers’ in Westport. There aren’t any winners and losers in this, we are all losers.
there are far bigger looses then a loud back pack blower. Tryvto keep a perspective.
You are completely wrong. Read Valerie Jacob’s comment and stop obfuscating.
the EPA says 5 per cent of USA air pollution is from gas powered lawn mowers.
all lawn equipment emits shocking amounts of pollution. It is not just blowers. Chain saw. Trummers or weedwhsckers. Gas Blowers. Our lawns and lawn companies that fertilize and prevent weeds etc are environmental disasters. The entire suburban dream must be reconsidered
One 737 just starting up emits more noise, more pollution than all the gas blowers combined, a diesel truck coming to fix your solar panel is noisier than an entire city of leaf blower. Jets have no catalysts, no DEF to control the exhaust you can see from a mile away
Too many comments, good and bad, to which to respond. So putting my thoughts into one. You’ve been warned: tl/dr.
I-95 or a 737 might emit more noise and pollution than gas-powered leaf blowers, but neither one of them are operating within a few yards of my open windows. A leaf-blower that is close sends smoke into my house.
If I hire a worker for landscaping, it is up to me, the property owner, to make sure that he knows local regulations. Landscapers work in more than one Town. The person who hires them has the obligation. Nobody should absolve the owner of responsibility.
I’m genuinely not sure why Dan Katz was offended by Peter Barlow’s comment – I do think to a lot of residents who actually use these things, it’s big toys for big boys (not being judgy). Same reason some people like to drive loud cars.
To Mark Matthias’s comment, carrot as well as stick would be helpful. But if we think the market will be self-correcting in the long-run, well, as they say in Econ class, in the long-run we’re all dead anyway.
I think that Ellen was very straightforward about both the pollution and, well, noise pollution aspects of the ordinance. Though, IIRC, town historically avoids noise ordinances preferring ‘behavior’ ordinances. Which is why, for instance, we have regulations as to hours for construction, not for how loud the builders can be.
I 100% appreciate that the ordinance was passed with the best of intentions, to improve air quality and reduce noise. Laudable aims.
Now for the bad… an ordinance with no enforcement mechanism has no value whatsoever. So now it sets up confrontations between neighbors, even though there is absolutely no incentive for the leaf-blower user to change his behavior. Why would anyone ‘confront’ an otherwise good neighbor over behavior that there is no reason to change? I’m not even going to say anything to my own landscaper, knowing there is no enforcement mechanism – his team works hard, does good work, is reasonably priced, and finishes the job really quickly. If everyone in Town gets on the same page, I’m there.
RTM had a similar debate last meeting, when the Moderator wanted to adopt the FS’s amendment regarding Jesus Green which would have been a (easily ignored) recommendation rather than a requirement, with teeth. Unfortunately, the leaf-blower ordinance, didn’t have teeth.
Exempting Town for the ordinance was disgraceful. I said back when it passed, the message was “those fumes are unhealthy – but employees and contractors, you have to still breathe them.” How does that make sense? Where is the leading by example? Maybe a Town employee will get lung disease and sue Town? Because the ordinance did remove plausible deniability from Town.
Finally, anyone reading Westport social media (like Front Porch) sees that there is utter confusion about the ordinance and how it is (not) enforced. And it is creating conflict. Some people are mad about people yelling at people using leaf-blowers, while others don’t understand why the blowers are being operated in the midst of a “ban.” I *think* that the well-intended ordinance, watered down to create something passable, has simply created confusion amongst some and indifference a amongst others. I get that with all of the work that went into it, the advocates wanted to pass something. But here we are.
the town has immense open space to take care of. The homeowner can close a window. The homeowner can wear ear plugs and a mask for the time the blower is on. The entire lawn care ecosystem is an environmental disaster. The problem is Not just a gas blower problem. Lawns need to be replaced with natural plants. Feetikizers and weed control are killing nature and ourselves. The concept of a manicured lawn with a house that is linear and organized with no weeds and lots of greenery is destructive to nature and humanity. it’s not just a blower. The entire house garden lawn complex must be reconsidered. Who will incentivize these changes ? Who can change our value system? On another note gravel driveways can be hazardous to your health.
Indeed. Further, golf courses are an environmental disaster as well as a terrible use of land, particularly when there are folks that can’t find an affordable place to live.
and if you know who wins the election do you think the affects of golf courses in communities will be discussed ?
Overshoot. If you’re not familiar with the term it’s time you get acquainted. All the Tesla’s and electric blowers aren’t going to save society from itself. Humans are carbon addicted since the day we first discovered fire. You’re not getting rid of fossil fuels unless you inclined towards societal breakdown and mass starvation. It’s population and consumption that will doom our species if we do nothing besides trying to be “ green”.