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HB 701

Gasoline-Powered Leaf Blowers - Purchase, Use, and Sale - Prohibitions (Clean Air Quiet Communities Act)

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Linda Foley and 5 co-sponsors

Maryland bill prohibits purchasing, using, and selling gasoline-powered leaf blowers to reduce air and noise pollution, shifting users to electric alternatives.

Hearing 2/11 at 1:00 p.m. (Economic Matters)
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Bill Summary · HB 701

Legislative bill overview

HB 701 proposes to prohibit the purchase, use, and sale of gasoline-powered leaf blowers in Maryland, likely with phased implementation timelines. The bill aims to reduce air pollution and noise pollution from these commonly used landscaping tools by transitioning users to electric or battery-powered alternatives.

Why is this important

Gasoline-powered leaf blowers emit significant air pollutants and nitrogen oxides while generating substantial noise pollution affecting neighborhoods and worker health. This legislation reflects a broader environmental trend toward eliminating small gasoline engines, which collectively contribute measurably to urban air quality degradation despite their individual insignificance.

Potential points of contention

  • Economic burden on businesses and homeowners: Landscaping companies and property owners would face costs replacing equipment, potentially increasing service prices for consumers
  • Implementation timeline feasibility: Questions about whether sufficient electric alternatives exist in all market segments and whether the transition period is realistic for commercial operations
  • Enforcement mechanisms: Unclear how prohibitions on "use" would be enforced—whether this requires police intervention during yard work and what penalties apply
  • Rural vs. urban applicability: The bill's geographic scope and whether exemptions exist for agricultural or large property management uses
  • Consumer choice and personal liberty arguments: Opposition from those viewing this as government overreach into individual purchasing decisions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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