All Rhode Island Citizens and the natural world are impacted by Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers. 

These “machines” (not the people who use them)  are dangerous. The loud roar of gas-powered leaf blowers has become an all too familiar sound in our communities. The noise from these devices is not just a nuisance - it is dangerous to both the operator and bystanders. Often those operating these devices are workers who may not be aware of the dangers they present, do not often wear proper protection, and may have no choice in their use, but who mainly endures most of the health hazards. Nearly all gas-powered blowers 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 addition, the low frequency noise gas blowers produce can travel longer distances than other noises at the same decibel level and can penetrate windows and walls, which makes these machines particularly disruptive to our neighborhoods and schools.

Gas-powered leaf blowers emit large quantities of toxic hazardous air pollutants, including fine particulates, smog forming pollutants, benzene and other known carcinogens that adversely impact the health of workers and the public. Gas blowers are far more polluting than automobiles, and an hour of use produces a similar amount of air pollution as driving a modern car for thousands of miles. 

Better, safer, quieter, and healthier alternatives are readily available. Leaf blower manufacturers now produce battery-powered electric blowers which are economical to operate, and equally effective. They are much quieter and emit a frequency sound that neither travels as far nor penetrates walls and windows the way Gas Blower noise does. Battery-powered blowers are now commonly used by homeowners as well as commercial landscape operators. They emit none of the dangerous air pollutants that gas blowers produce and need none of the
disposable air and fuel filters and fuel oil additives gas blowers require, all of which add tons of toxic solid waste to landfills each year. In addition to being more economical to operate, battery powered blowers do not require the costly routine
maintenance that gas blowers do.

It is time to act!  We can eliminate the harmful impact of these dangerous and unnecessary gas-powered devices on our workers, our children, the public and the environment. It is time to accelerate the transition to safer, quieter, more economical and equally effective battery-powered electric alternatives.

The RI house and senate and City of Providence are preparing bills to stop the sale and use of Gas-powered leaf blowers. Public hearings will take place once the bills are introduced and being able to show RI legislators that many concerned citizens have signed this petition will be very helpful to counter lawn care companies who want to keep Gas-powered leaf blowers in place.

Please consider signing this petition to eliminate the sale and use of Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers in RI, and accelerate the transition to safer, quieter, more economical and equally effective battery-powered electric alternatives.

Thank you!

********************

June 2025 Update:

RI has yet to in act any restrictions on gas-leaf blowers. Hundreds of towns and cities across the country have made the change away from these horrific machines.

The fastest way to see change in RI is to call/write your town/city council, and state senators/representatives and demand they take action. Unless government officials hear from RI residents, they will claim there is no problem because no one is complaining about it. Speak up and often and change will happen. Talk to your landscaper as well about providing non gas powered leaf blower service. 

The State of RI has extended its $1,500  ($3000 max per business) battery powered leaf blower rebate program into 2026 for commercial landscapers licensed to do business in RI. Ask your landscaper to take advantage of this program and then offer you battery powered service on your property. The rebate also now applies to non profits, and community organizations. 

If you live in the City of Providence, now would be a great time to contact your Ward Councilor. The City is debating an ordinance to restrict gas leaf blowers and the more constituents they hear from the better. 

Good luck and keep advocating for change