The use of gas-powered leaf blowers (GPLBs) in the village of Cold Spring is excessive and unnecessary. These machines are damaging to our health, our environment, and the tranquility of our village. The specific decibel frequency of a GPLB can be heard for miles. These machines are used excessively and in all seasons. If they're not blowing leaves in the fall, they're blowing grass clippings in the summer, and snow in the winter. Residents agree that the situation has gotten out of hand. 

The 2-stroke engines in GPLBs release 300 times the levels of hydrocarbons as vehicles on the road. According to the California Air Resources Board, running one for 1 hour is equivalent to the pollutants released by driving a car 1100 miles. These machines emit large quantities of toxic air pollutants, including fine particulates, smog forming pollutants, benzene and other known carcinogens that adversely impact the health of the public.

GPLBs are especially dangerous to the workers who operate them. Nearly all GPLBs emit levels of noise that are considered dangerous, and most are loud enough to cause hearing damage after just minutes of exposure. This level of noise creates physiological stress that can cause adverse effects on human cardiovascular health, immune systems, and cognitive development. 

In 2026, there are smarter, quieter, and more efficient ways to manage lawn care. Studies show that lawn maintenance companies' ability to work is not significantly affected by GPLB restrictions. In fact, businesses benefit from increased worker safety and client satisfaction when quieter tools and methods are used (see here). Today, there are commercial-grade electric leaf blowers that rival even the strongest GPLBs in both price and performance.  Electric leaf blowers are much quieter, safer, and more pleasant to use, and consumer reports demonstrate they have much more longevity as a tool when compared to GPLBs. The switch to electric blowers will benefit both workers and the community. 

We would like to emphasize that we are calling for a GPLB ban within the Cold Spring Village limits- not Philipstown where people have larger lawns and properties to maintain. There is a strong appetite among village residents to reign in the use of GPLBs. A total ban in the Village of Cold Spring, with its smaller property parcels, is a reasonable proposal.

Sign this petition to be part of the solution to end excessive noise and environmental pollution caused by gas-powered leaf blowers in our village! This petition is not without precedent. Hundreds of municipalities in the United States have restricted the use of GPLBs. As of December 2025, 33 out of 47 municipalities in Westchester had leaf blower bans in place. The village of Larchmont approved a total ban two years ago, and the program has been a huge success! Please sign this petition to protect Cold Spring's environment, public health, and tranquility!