A total ban on gas leaf blowers coming to Lower Merion in 2029 is worrying some landscapers in Haverford, writes Pete Bannan for the Daily Times.
Lower Merion’s ban addresses air and noise pollution generated by gas-powered leaf blowers, along with their contribution to climate change, and their impact on the health of individuals with respiratory conditions.
Last week, landscapers at a Haverford Township Commissioners meeting addressed the ban, even though no action has been taken yet in the township.
The township volunteer environmental advisory committee did make a presentation last month to the health board about ideas they have based on the ban and will be making a presentation at some point to commissioners.
Landscapers argued at the commissioners’ meeting that replacement electric blowers don’t have the power of gas blowers, would cost much more than gas blowers because of needing to continually replace batteries, are only slightly quieter than gas blowers, and are actually heavier.
Commissioner Michael McCollum said a ban would make no difference in air quality with all the major roads and traffic already in Haverford.
“I’m tired of this township trying to be like Lower Merion. We’re Haverford Township,” McCollum said.
Read more details about the landscaper’s arguments against a ban in the Daily Times.
