We, the undersigned would support a limit on the use of gas-powered leaf blowers (GLB’s) in Westport CT between May 1 and October 14th. The purpose of limiting the use of GLB’s is to give residents a respite from the harmful noise, and reduce the pollution and natural habitat damage that GLB’s create.

Gas blowers cause harm to health as well as to the larger ecosystem, namely:

- Gas blowers exacerbate our too-high ozone levels (Westport has ozone levels among the highest in the state – and the EPA says gas blowers should not be used in areas with high ozone levels)
- One hour of gas blower use creates as much pollution as driving a sedan 1100 miles; small engines like those found in GLBs are a larger source of smog-forming emissions than passenger cars  
- Leaf blowers destroy insect/pollinator habitat, at a time when insect decline has been precipitous (which is thus reducing bird populations, as well)
- Granted, this ordinance is only seasonal but we need to start somewhere!

- This ordinance supports ‘Leave the Leaves’ initiatives being led by many local environmental groups now
- Mulching, in lieu of blowing, is much more environmentally sound and returns nutrients to the soil
- Battery-powered equipment is an increasingly practical alternative which causes less air AND noise pollution 
- Measures such as this seasonal ban are one more step that can be taken to reduce the causes of climate change 
- As a matter of public health and worker protection, the use of these machines should be reduced; the operation of gas blowers contributes to hearing loss and pulmonary damage, not to mention ‘quality of life’ issues for entire neighborhoods when these machines are in full roar on summer days
Here is an area where Westport can again lead the state, and cause far-reaching beneficial impact, much as we did with the plastic bag ban.