December 4, 2019

This afternoon, Council voted 4-0 to direct City bureaus to transition their handheld leaf blowers to electric- or battery-operated models by January 1, 2021.

Gas-powered leaf blowers pollute the air, burn fossil fuels, are a noise nuisance, and create health risks for both the operators and the public. The City is proud to take steps to protect our environment and the health of the public and our workers.

The Resolution also creates a workgroup tasked with finding an equitable path towards a future city-wide ban and directs bureaus to transition backpack-style blowers to electric when the technology evolves.

Special thanks to State Representative Alyssa Keny-Guyer; Multnomah County Commissioner Vega Pederson; Michael Hall and Quiet Clean PDX; Mary Peveto and Neighbors for Clean Air; Kellie Barnes; Cameron Stewart and Relay Resources; Osmani Alcaraz-Ochoa and VOZ; Stan Penkin; Bob Sallinger from Audubon; Michelle Crim and the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability; Senior Policy Director Asena Lawrence on the Fish team; and the many stakeholders who helped shape this Resolution.

Background
Resolution

Media
The Next Target in Portland’s War on Pollution? Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers
Nigel Jaquiss in Willamette Week 

Portland City Government To Transition Away From Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers
Rebecca Ellis in OPB News

Portland Plans to Get Rid of City's Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers Starting in 2021
Everton Bailey Jr. in The Oregonian 

Pictured above: Rep. Keny Guyer Policy Advisor Jason Trombley, County Commissioner Vega Pederson, Commissioner Fish Senior Policy Advisor Asena Lawrence.