Will Princeton Ban Gas Leaf Blowers? More Discussions Ahead

PRINCETON, NJ — This could come as good news to those bothered by noisy leaf blowers. The township’s Sustainable Landscaping Steering Committee is considering changes to current rules that will reduce noise and pollution from lawn maintenance equipment.

The proposed changes will also strengthen landscaper registration requirements. The committee is holding a public meeting next week to discuss the proposed changes.

The committee includes groups like Sustainable Princeton, Quiet Princeton, Unidad Latina en Accion, and Princeton Environmental Commission. The Sustainable Landscaping Steering Committee has been conducting meetings to discuss the matter and efforts are being made to include the voices of residents and landscapers. The Princeton Civil Rights Commission’s Racial Equity Toolkit has also been used in the process, said councilwoman Eve Niedergang.

During the June 28 council meeting, the commission presented a report where it said their goal was to recommend environmentally sustainable and socially equitable solutions.

Anthony Lunn, of Quiet Princeton, said gas leaf blowers expose workers and the public to significant health risks, disrupt daily life, and “damage natural ecologies.” According to Lunn, gas leaf blowers have been a cause of concern for the past 25 years in Princeton. He said the frequency of use and power of the equipment has increased during the time.

"With COVID, many more people working from home, school children, have direct experience of the noise and pollution,” said Lunn. “Hundreds of residents have expressed a wish for total ban of these devices. Around the state, many towns are starting to take action.”

He said “superior alternatives” are now available for landscaping, moving away from gas leaf blowers. The report also highlighted how landscape workers put their health at risk by undertaking the job. The report also recommends a seasonal ban on the equipment.

Christine Symington of Sustainable Princeton said surveys and focus groups were held with landscape company owners and workers. “It’s important to engage them separately to get honest feedback from them,” said Symington.

Earlier this year, Princeton received a grant to develop plans to transition away from fossil fuel-powered landscaping equipment.

Read More Here: Princeton Is 'Changing The Landscape' For A Healthy Environment

Chair of the Princeton Environmental Commission, Tammy Sands, said a "public outcry" about the ill effects of the gas leaf blowers was voiced at the “most widely attended meeting to date.” Sands outlined various recommendations to achieve sustainable landscaping. “The landscapers want their voices heard and they do care about the environment and their health,” said Sands.

The recommendations included making sure the ordinance is amended according to OSHA regulations, reevaluation of leaf and branch collection, and making sure the registration process differentiates a sole proprietor from a landscaping business owner.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, many residents expressed their support for the report, recommendation, and a possible ban on gas leaf blowers. Many New Jersey towns like Summit, Montclair, and Maplewood have banned the equipment.

On July 14, at 7 p.m., the committee is holding a public meeting to answer questions about the proposed changes. For details on Zoom link and how to join, click here.

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