California Air Resources Board

Leaf Blowers have also been deemed an ideal candidate for electrification in both the residential and commercial market.  Before Staff prepared the Staff Report regarding the Potential Electrification of Small Off-Road Engines, the Board directed Staff to prepare a report specifically about leaf blowers.  Staff prepared a report explaining to the legislature the effect that leaf blowers have on our air and our communities.  The report discusses the Particulate Matter (PM) that is produced by the Leaf Blowers, the Noise nuisance, and many other factors that affect the publics view of leaf blowers.  At the time electric leaf blowers were limited either to corded models or largely underpowered battery models.  Furthermore, in an effort to reduce the amount of PM that is stirred up by the leaf blowers, alternatives such as leaf vacuums can and should be considered by both the commercial and residential sector.