Petition to Oppose the Gas Leaf Blower Ban in Stamford, CT

Presented by a Concerned Community Representative. Timothy McGrath 

As someone dedicated to both environmental stewardship and economic fairness, I ask Stamford leaders to reconsider the proposed ban on gas-powered leaf blowers. While the goal, to reduce emissions and noise, is commendable, this approach places a heavy burden on small local landscaping businesses without offering viable support.

 
Local Economic Snapshot

Stamford is home to roughly 113 landscaping contractors. Most are small, owner-operated businesses crucial to our community’s economic fabric. 

Across Connecticut, 2,662 landscapers operate, more than 89% are solo or small operations.
 
Real Financial & Operational Pain Points

1. Severe Upfront Costs
Electric blowers cost 3–4× more than gas alternatives, often exceeding $2,500 per unit.
Full-day crews need 8–12 batteries per blower, plus charging gear, piling up thousands in costs and logistical headaches. 

2. Infrastructure Overhaul
Businesses would need to retrofit vehicles and trailers with chargers, domestic grids and mobile units alike, incurring tens of thousands in expense.

3. Efficiency and Reliability Gaps
Electric blowers often lack runtime and power compared to gas models. Many landscapers report frequent mid-job interruptions and weight-related fatigue. When tools fall short, the real loss is in productivity and reliability.

4. Cost-Passing to Homeowners
Some customers report price doubling due to the transition burden, from both materials and labor adjustments. In high-cost-of-living areas like Stamford, homeowners feel every price increase keenly. 
 
Change Should Be Driven by Incentives, Not Force

If electric tools were more effective and affordable, we’d adopt them voluntarily. Instead of mandates, we need proactive support:

Rebates and grants for electric equipment (consumer and business)
Infrastructure support for on-site charging station setups
Pilot programs and training to validate performance under local conditions
Evidence shows these approaches work, places with rebate programs see higher adoption and participation in cleaner equipment without forcing businesses into unsustainable transitions.

 
Summary: Protect Small Businesses & Promote Smarter Transition
113 local landscaping businesses could be harmed by this ban
High-cost mandates create a competitive disadvantage for small operators
Inequitable economic impact in a city known for high cost of living and commercial rents.

We stand for sustainability, yes, but responsible and equitable transition matters. Please support Stamford’s small businesses by opposing the proposed gas leaf blower ban. Better, smarter solutions exist, let’s invest in those, together.