Petition to Phase Out Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers in New Orleans

To: The Honorable Members of the New Orleans City Council

We, the undersigned residents of New Orleans, respectfully request that the City Council adopt an ordinance to phase out and ultimately prohibit the use of gas-powered leaf blowers within the City of New Orleans.

WHY ACTION IS NEEDED[i]

1.    Dangerous Noise Pollution

Gas leaf blowers produce noise levels up to 100+ decibels, comparable to a jet engine, far exceeding safe exposure levels. “And it is not just the decibel level—the kind of noise is particularly pernicious. Leaf blowers operate at a low frequency, penetrating concrete walls and the inner sanctum of homes with ease. Some gas-powered leaf blowers can be heard nearly three football fields away.”[ii]

Chronic exposure to this noise is linked to:

Hearing loss 
Elevated stress hormones 
High blood pressure 
Cardiovascular disease 
Noise pollution also disrupts schools, homes, and the quality of life across neighborhoods. 

2.    Community Health and Worker Health & Safety Risks

Landscaping workers are among the most affected, often exposed for 8+ hours per day to both toxic fumes and damaging noise levels. 

These exposures disproportionately impact lower-income workers and communities.

“Likewise, gas-powered lawn care has been linked to debilitating health issues, such as cancer, asthma, heart disease, and hearing loss. Workers are exposed to the air pollution and noise from leaf blowers at close range and over sustained periods of time. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that one-quarter of Americans between ages 20 to 69 already suffer from diminished hearing. This outcome is due in large part to ambient urban noise, including sirens, traffic, and leaf blowers.” [iii]

3.    Environmental Damage and Harmful Air Pollution

Gas leaf blowers:

Stir up dust, mold, pesticides, and allergens 
Damage soil and beneficial ecosystems 
Contribute to climate change 
Their powerful air streams (up to 200–280 mph) redistribute pollutants into the air we breathe. 

Gas-powered leaf blowers emit significant toxic pollutants, including carbon monoxide, benzene, and fine particulate matter, which are linked to asthma, heart disease, and cancer. 

Studies estimate that as much as 30% of fuel used in these machines is released unburned into the air, directly impacting residents and workers. 

In fact, one hour of leaf blower use can produce pollution comparable to driving a car for hundreds to over 1,000 miles. “A typical leaf blower reportedly burns just 60 percent of its fuel—the rest is spewed into the atmosphere. The two-stroke gas engines that power most leaf blowers use is an antiquated technology that has been phased out in nearly all areas—except yard work. But what is off-limits for driving and boating apparently remains just fine for residential neighborhoods.”[iv]

4. Proven Success in Other Cities

New Orleans would not be alone. Hundreds of municipalities across the U.S. have already restricted or banned gas-powered leaf blowers, including:

Washington, D.C. (full ban with fines) 
Portland, OR (phased ban beginning 2026) 
South Pasadena, CA (full prohibition) 
Numerous cities across California, Vermont, Illinois, and Maryland 
These policies improve public health, worker safety, and neighborhood quality of life.

PROPOSED SOLUTION

We respectfully request that the City Council:

1. Adopt a phased ban on gas-powered leaf blowers over 1 to 2 years
2. Encourage transition to electric or battery-powered alternatives
3. Provide education and possible incentives for landscaping companies
4. Implement reasonable enforcement and penalties
5. Consider noise limits and restricted hours during the transition 

CONCLUSION

Gas-powered leaf blowers are outdated, unnecessarily harmful, and increasingly out of step with modern public health and environmental standards.

New Orleans has the opportunity to join a growing movement of cities prioritizing clean air, public health, and quality of life for all residents.

We respectfully urge the New Orleans City Council to take action.

NOTES SUPPORTING PROHIBITION OF GAS-POWERED LEAF BLOWERS
[i] See https://kleinmanenergy.upenn.edu/commentary/blog/think-globally-on-climate-act-locally-on-leaf-blowers/

See https://mountsinaiexposomics.org/gas-leaf-blowers-are-health-hazards/

See https://www.audubon.org/magazine/why-cities-are-taking-action-limit-loud-polluting-lawn-care/

See https://www.momscleanairforce.org/mom-detective-leaf-blowers/

See https://www.portland.gov/bps/climate-action/leaf-blowers/glb-phase-out/

See https://www.southpasadenaca.gov/Your-Government/Department-Service-Areas/Public-Works/Environmental-Services-Sustainability-Division/Ban-on-Gas-Powered-Leaf-Blowers/

See https://reasonstobecheerful.world/make-america-rake-again-leaf-blower-bans/
[ii] See https://kleinmanenergy.upenn.edu/commentary/blog/think-globally-on-climate-act-locally-on-leaf-blowers/
[iii] See endnote ii
[iv] See endnote ii