Gas-powered leaf blowers and similar gardening machines are hazardous to the health of workers and nearby residents. They consume climate-altering fossil fuel, emit pollutants that damage human lungs, generate annoying noise, and spew dirt and debris on neighboring properties.

None of this is necessary. The Nassau County Legislature has the power to  prohibit the use of gas-powered gardening machines by requiring landcape companies to equip workers with non-polluting and quieter tools, such as rakes or electric machinery.

The undersigned call on Nassau legislators to act now. We also express our solidarity with gardening workers and their efforts to earn a living in a safe manner.