Majority of council members leaning toward ban of gas-powered leaf blowers

San Carlos City Council members Pranita Venkatesh, Adam Rak, and John Dugan agreed to study a potential ban on gas-powered leaf blowers. Councilwoman Sara McDowell urged giving the city’s February rebate program more time to work, saying incentives are preferable to enforcement and noting complaints about weak enforcement in other cities. A petition led by Emily Burt has gathered over 600 signatures from residents seeking a ban due to harmful pollutants contributing to respiratory problems, potential hearing loss, cleaner air, and quieter streets. Rak said he would lean toward the petitioners. Dugan said the city is not breaking new ground and pointed to bans in Atherton, Menlo Park, and Portola Valley, including rebate and buyback programs.

"Councilwoman Sara McDowell said the city just started a program in February to pay residents and landscapers to switch to electric leaf blowers. "I feel like we should give the rebate program more time to work," McDowell said. McDowell said she has always preferred to use incentives to help people switch, using carrots rather than sticks. McDowell said she's heard residents complain about a lack of enforcement for similar bans in other cities."

"Resident Emily Burt started a petition three weeks ago that has over 600 signatures to get the city to ban gas-powered leaf blowers. The city should have a ban because harmful pollutants are contributing to respiratory issues, Burt said in the petition. Gas-powered leaf blowers could also lead to hearing loss and the ban would create cleaner air and quieter streets, Burt said."

"Dugan said he acknowledged McDowell's concerns but felt it was worth looking at what other cities are doing. "We're not breaking new ground here," Dugan said. Others who have banned gas-powered leaf blowers are Atherton, Menlo Park and Portola Valley. Menlo Park approved a ban that started in July 2024, including a ban on gas-powered push lawnmowers, hedge trimmers and chainsaws by January 2029."

"Hundreds sign petition There may be a few people upset in other cities, but 600 San Carlos residents want the council to do something, Rak said. "I'm going to lean towards those 600 people," Rak said."

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