California Bans Sale of Gas-Powered Lawn Mowers by 2024
In an effort to further move the state of California toward a zero-emission future, regulators have approved a measure to phase out the sale of gas-powered lawnmowers and leaf-blowers. Assembly Bill No. 1346, which was voted on last Thursday, requires the state to ban the sale of gas-powered lawnmowers and leaf blowers by 2024. While homeowners and businesses will still be permitted to use this gas-powered equipment, after 2024 they will no longer be able to purchase them.
Why is California doing this?
According to the California Air Resources Board (CARB), California is banning the sale of gas-powered lawnmowers by 2024 because operating a commercial one for an hour “emits as much smog-forming pollution as driving the best-selling 2016 passenger car, a Toyota Camry, about 300 miles – approximately the distance from Los Angeles to Las Vegas.”* Furthermore, CARB concluded that one hour of using a commercial leaf blower is equivalent to driving 1100 miles from LA to Denver!**
Leaf-blowers and lawnmowers are classified as Small Off-road Engines, or SORES. As of 2017, there were nearly 16.5 million SORE’s in California, which was greater than the 13.7 million light-duty passenger cars in the state. SORE’s are responsible for serious health risks, according to the law’s sponsors, as they emit high levels of reactive organic gases (ROG), particulate matter (PM) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx). Not only are these emissions harmful to those operating this equipment, they’re also harmful to neighborhoods and the environment at large.
What does the lawn mower ban mean for you?
As a business or homeowner, it’s time to equip yourself for the electric future. Protecting the welfare of your family and your employees is vital to the success and survival of both your family and business. Not only must you consider the health and safety of those around you, must also consider the costs that come with transitioning to an all-electric future.
How can you combat these new expenses?
With energy rates continuously rising every year, it’s important to consider just how expensive it will be to make the transition from gas-powered machinery to electric. This is more of an immediate concern as it has immediate costs. It’s even more important to consider the long-term costs of this transition, like how are you going to pay to charge all of that equipment?
Energy storage is the answer.
The energy storage solutions offered by SolarTech are designed to help home/business owners combat the egregious expenses of energy use in Southern California. When charging in Southern California, many utilities have programs called on-peak periods or time-of-use rates, that are designed to charge higher electric rates during different times of the day. Energy storage solutions allow you to combat those on-peak times and charge using YOUR own stored energy.
When you are producing your own energy with solar and saving your own energy with energy storage, you can keep the expense of electricity down, while keeping your business running. This might initially seem like a huge blow to your business or even home life, but if you prepare yourself for this future then you’ll be ready for it when it comes.
Go solar today!
SolarTech has been powering California for over 20 years and we are committed to delivering the best possible service to our customers. Our representatives work with you to understand your desires and needs, and to provide the best energy solution for you. We are committed to complete customer satisfaction, which we achieve by offering quality products, professional installation, and outstanding value.