Professional Documents
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SUBJECT: Report on Bill 22-234, “Leaf Blower Regulation Amendment Act of 2018”
The Committee of the Whole, to which Bill 22-234, the “Leaf Blower Regulation
Amendment Act of 2018” was referred, reports favorably thereon with amendments, and
recommends approval by the Council.
CONTENTS
On April 4, 2017, Bill 22-234, the “Leaf Blower Regulation Amendment Act of 2018” was
introduced by Councilmember Mary M. Cheh. As amended, the bill prohibits the sale, offer for
sale, or use of gasoline-powered leaf blowers in the District of Columbia, beginning on January 1,
2022. A person who violates this order shall be subject to a fine of not more than $500. Also, the
bill allows for a citizen generated complaint to submitted to the Department of Consumer and
Regulatory Affairs (DCRA). Finally, the bill exempts the use of gasoline-powered leaf blowers
on federal lands at federal facilities. The Committee’s amendments were included to address the
implementation and enforcement issues identified by the DCRA, while maintaining the original
intent of the introduced version to promote the use of manual tools or electric leaf blowers, which
are either battery-powered or corded, by prohibiting gasoline-powered leaf blowers in the District.
Committee of the Whole October 16, 2018
DRAFT Report on Bill 22-234 Page 2 of 7
In 1977, the Council of enacted the “District of Columbia Noise Control Act of 1977”. The
purpose of this act was to provide comprehensive regulations to control noise levels in the District
to “preserve, protect, and promote the health, safety, welfare, and the peace and comfort of the
residents of the city, prevent injury to humans, animals and property”. The 1977 act established
maximum sound levels for the time of day or night and the zoning location where the noise
originated. It was here that the maximum allowable decibel measure for a residential zone was set
at 60dB during the day and 55dB at night. The 1977 act also granted an exemption for the use
“portable power tools, home snow removal, equipment, power garden devices, and other powered
equipment for minor repairs or minor improvements of real or personal residential property”. This
exemption was only granted during the daytime hours on weekdays and during the hours of 9:00
a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on the weekends and legal holidays.
In 1992, Council approved its first regulations of leaf blowers in the “District of Columbia
Noise Control Amendment Act of 1992”. This act removed leaf blowers from the original
exemption under “power garden devices” and restricted the sale and use of any leaf blowers that
produced noise levels over 70 dB. Though, the 1992 act did not outright prohibit leaf blowers that
exceeded the decibel threshold, it did require retailers to provide notice to their customers that the
leaf blower may not be used in the District of Columbia after the effective date of the act (July 23,
1992).
Presently, over 170 municipalities in 31 states have enacted regulations on the use of gas-
powered leaf blowers. Most of these communities prohibit the use of gasoline-powered leaf
blowers during certain hours; others restrict gasoline-powered leaf blowers altogether, because
they tend to be louder than electric models. This includes, Montgomery County, Maryland, which
enacted a law in 1990 that restricted the sale and use of leaf blowers that produced noise levels
over 70 dB.
Gasoline-powered leaf blowers use an engine to drive a turbine that causes air movement.
Since, gas-powered leaf blower give you the greatest amount of power and range, it has become
the favorite of landscapers or anyone who needs to clean up large areas as quickly as possible.
However, this power comes with disadvantages. They are also noisy, some produce noise levels
more than 100 decibels (dB). OSHA regulations for health and safety state that anyone working in
an environment where noise levels are above 85 dB is required to wear ear protection1. These noise
levels do not only affect the operator but can also impact neighbors. Noise at that level can
penetrate windows up to 800 feet away2. Gasoline-powered leaf blowers also emit fumes from the
1
OSHA, Occupational Noise Exposure Regulations (Standards – 29 CFR)
https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_id=9735&p_table=standards
2
Higgins, Adrian; Nov 1, 2016; Washington Post; https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/home/we-know-you-
love-your-leaf-blower-but-its-ruining-the-neighborhood/2016/10/31/0563e4a4-9b99-11e6-b3c9-
f662adaa0048_story.html?utm_term=.60ce9258f2a9
Committee of the Whole October 16, 2018
DRAFT Report on Bill 22-234 Page 3 of 7
gas engine and gas storage containers. California’s statewide Environmental Protection Agency
reports that the best-selling commercial leaf blowers emit as much smog-forming pollution after
just one hour of use as driving a 2016 Toyota Camry about 1,100 miles3. Gasoline-powered leaf
blowers contribute to environmental and noise pollution, both of which increase public health
problems, such as hearing loss, chronic respiratory conditions, seasonal allergies, impaired
cognition, stress hormone release, and immune system suppression.
Electric leaf blowers are used as an alternative to the gasoline-powered leaf blowers. The
prime disadvantage of most electric leaf blowers is battery life and limited range. Most battery-
powered leaf blowers are only able to run for about 10-15 minutes at full power and an hour at
lower power settings, before the battery needs to be replaced or recharged. While, corded leaf
blowers often can only be used on smaller areas of land, because of its reliance on outdoor power
outlets and extension cords. However, what electric leaf blowers lack in power and range they
make up for by operating quieter and cleaner than its gas-powered counterpart. On average,
electric leaf blowers emit less than 60 dB of noise and no harmful gas fumes, which greatly
improves the health and safety of an operator, as set by OSHA standards.
Committee Recommendations
To address the some of the concerns identified by DCRA the Committee included language
that attempts to resolve the issues related to enforceability. First, the language would grant
authority to the agency to work with the Department of Motor Vehicles to identify alleged violators
of the new law by means of license plate data on unmarked vehicles reported to have been involved
in violations of the new law. The language also gives DCRA explicit authority to utilize the
license-plate information as evidence in any enforcement proceeding. This structure was derived
from, another statute approved by the Council and signed by the Mayor, the “Trash Collection
Noise Violations Abatement Act of 2008” (D.C. Official Code § 8-731).
Bill 22-234 will grant DCRA the necessary flexibility it needs to address issued related to
implementation and enforcement. This bill will put in place an enforcement scheme that which
the agency is familiar. The Committee therefore recommends approval of Bill 22-234 as reflected
in the Committee Print.
April 4, 2017 Bill 22-234, “Leaf Blower Regulation Amendment Act of 2018” is
introduced by Councilmember Cheh.
April 4, 2017 Bill 22-234 is officially referred to the Committee of the Whole.
3
Scheer, Roddy and Moss, Doug; Oct 12, 2018; The Environmental Magazine; https://emagazine.com/leaf-blowers-
getting-greener-per-neighbors-demands/
Committee of the Whole October 16, 2018
DRAFT Report on Bill 22-234 Page 4 of 7
April 7, 2017 Notice of Intent to Act on Bill 22-234 is published in the District of
Columbia Register.
June 15, 2018 Notice of a Public Hearing on Bill 22-234 is published in the District of
Columbia Register.
July 2, 2018 The Committee of the Whole holds a public hearing on Bill 22-234.
October 16, 2018 The Committee of the Whole marks-up Bill 22-234.
V. SUMMARY OF TESTIMONY
The Committee of the Whole held a public hearing on Bill 22-234 on Wednesday, July 2,
2018. The testimony summarized below is from that hearing. Copies of written testimony are
attached to this report.
Nancy Sainburg, Public Witness, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Sainburg is owner of
Enchanted Garden a landscaping/nursery business. Her staff enjoy using the battery powered
equipment. For the last 2 years Ms. Sainburg has used battery powered leaf blowers, over the
gasoline-powered leaf blower and has found that they perform.
Catherine Plume, DC Chapter, Sierra Club, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Plume believes
this bill assist the District in its sustainability goals for better air quality and health impacts, by helping to
reduce carbon emissions. Ms. Plume believes this bill is also an environmental justice issue, protection
for workers who may not realize the harmful health impacts.
Committee of the Whole October 16, 2018
DRAFT Report on Bill 22-234 Page 5 of 7
David Cottingham, Audubon Naturalist Society, testified in support of this bill. Mr. Cottingham
stated that the wildlife in the District can be negatively impacted by loud noises, such as leaf blowers.
Zack Kline, Public Witness, testified in support of this bill. Mr. Kline is the owner of AIR
Lawncare, which uses only battery-powered leaf blowers and lawn equipment. Mr. Kline believes that
battery powered leaf blowers are as effective as gas-powered leaf blowers. Though he states that
battery-powered leaf blowers have a higher upfront cost, it has a lower cost of ownership.
Grif Johnson, Public Witness, testified in support of this bill. Mr. Johnson stated that current
noise laws are ineffective, because enforcement is not practical. Tools to measure the noise
levels and frequency, as well as at distance have not been responsive enough to the negative
impacts of gas-powered leaf blowers.
Chris Pollock, Acoustics Expert, testified in support of this bill. Mr. Pollock provided data
study that showed gasoline-powered leaf blowers produced more decibels of noise than battery-
powered. He offered audio samples of how the gas-powered leaf blower emit low frequency
sounds that produce higher decibel noise and travels greater distances.
Jamie L. Banks, PhD, MS, Executive Director, Quiet Communities, testified in support of this
bill. Ms. Banks stated that low frequency noise cause greater negative health effects, such as
hearing loss, These low frequency noises produced by gas powered leaf blowers reach over 55
dB recommended as the safe from the World Health Organization (WHO).
Gregg Easterbrook, Public Witness, testified in support of this bill. Mr. Easterbrook believes
that replacing gas-powered leaf blowers with new technology, such as battery-powered leaf
blowers will be safer and cleaner.
Susan Orlins, Public Witness, testified in support of this bill. Ms. Orlins provided an overview
of how other jurisdictions have approved or considering similar legislation that would ban gas-
powered leaf blowers
Haskell Small, Public Witness, testified in support of this bill. Mr. Small recounted how gas-
powered leaf blowers negatively impact his “peace and quiet” of his home.
Lucia Buchanan Pierce, Public Witness, testified in support of this bill. Ms. Buchanan Pierce
presented a video of Eugene Jackson, a lifelong groundskeeper at the University of Redlands in
California, who lost nearly 60% of his hearing due to his use of gas-powered leaf blower.
Committee of the Whole October 16, 2018
DRAFT Report on Bill 22-234 Page 6 of 7
Hugh Allen, Ward 3 Democratic Committee, testified in support of this bill. Mr. Allen presented
the Ward 3 Democrats resolution that passed with unanimous support for the approval of this bill.
Anne Cauman, Public Witness, testified in support of this bill. Ms. Cauman stated that the
noise has been disruptive to her outdoor gardening activities. Ms. Cauman attributes the noise
produced by gas-powered leaf blowers as contributing to her hearing loss.
Joey Spatafora, Public Witness, testified in support of this bill. Mr. Spatafora spoke about how
gas-powered leaf blowers disrupt his ability to work from home and enjoy his outdoor
neighborhood.
Ann Mladinov, Public Witness, testified in support of this bill with amendments. Ms. Mladinov
stated that yhough she supports the bill, has some concerns about the behavioral use of the gas-
powered leaf blowers, such as the time restrictions of use and does not believe that the 2022
effective date, will provide fast enough relief. Ms. Mladinov also has hesitation on the District’s
ability to enforce this bill. Ms. Mladinov would like to see more coordination with
landscape/lawncare businesses and professional, retailers, building managers, and residents to
discourage use of gas-powered leaf blowers.
Lucian Pugliaresi, Public Witness, testified in support of this bill with amendments. Mr.
Pugliaresi believes that an education campaign should be accompanied with this bill. He would
like to see the bill enacted before 2022.
Daniel K. Mustico, VP, Government & Market Affairs, Outdoor Power Equipment Institute,
Inc. testified in opposition of this bill. Mr. Mustico would like the bill or any regulation to focus on
“courteous use” rather than a flat out ban and allow the market to dictate the transition from gas-
powered to battery-powered leaf blowers.
Chuck Elkins, Vice-Chair, ANC3D, testified in support of this bill. Mr. Elkins offered a
rebuttal of the opposition testimony presented, by stating the ban on only gas-powered leaf
blower is the compromise. Battery powered blowers allow landscaping and lawncare businesses
to continue operation. Mr. Elkins stated that depending on the markets to also look out for the
leaf blower operators/workers and neighbors is a false flag.
Bill 22-234 amends the “District of Columbia Noise Control Act of 1977”, effective March
16, 1978 (D.C. Law 2-53; 20 DCMR § 2808). The bill prohibits the sale and use of gasoline-
powered leaf blowers in the District of Columbia by January 1, 2022 but grants an exemption for
use on federal lands of federal facilities.
Committee of the Whole October 16, 2018
DRAFT Report on Bill 22-234 Page 7 of 7
The fiscal impact statement from the District’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to implement
Bill 22-234 is pending.
IX. ATTACHMENTS
2. Written Testimony.
4. Legal Sufficiency.
Memorandum
Notice is given that the attached proposed legislation was introduced in the
Legislative Meeting on Tuesday, April 4, 2017. Copies are available in Room 10,
the Legislative Services Division.
Attachment
19 act may be cited as the "Leaf Blower Regulatio n Amendment Act of 201 7".
20 Sec. 2. Section 5(d)(6) of the D istrict of Columbia Noise Control Act of 1977, effective
21 March 16, 1978 (D.C. Law 2-53; 20 DCMR § 2808), is amended as fo llows:
26 person shall sell , offer for sale, or use, at any time, gasoline-powered leaf bl owers in the District
27 of Columbia.".
32 in the District of Columbia after January 1, 2022, must provide conspicuous notice to the
33 consumer that the leaf blower may not be used in the District of Columbia.".
34 (c) Subparagraph (D) (20 DCMR § 2808.4) is amended by striking the phrase "In
35 addition to any other enforcement measure authorized under this act, the Mayor" and inserting
42 issuing a notice of civil infraction pursuant to the Department of Consumer and Regulatory
43 Affairs Civil Infractions Act of 1985, effective October 5, 1985 (D.C. Law 6-42, D.C. Code §6-
46 sanctions for any infraction of this paragraph pursuant to titles I-III of the Civil Infractions Act.
47 Adjudication of any infraction of this paragraph shall be pursuant to titles I-III of the Civil
48 Infractions Act.".
50 The Council adopts the fiscal impact statement in the committee report as the fiscal
51 impact statement required by section 602(c)(3) of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act,
52 approved December 24, 1973 (87 Stat. 813; D.C. Official Code§ 1-206.02(c)(3)).
2
54 This act shall take effect following approval by the Mayor (or in the event of veto by the
55 Mayor, action by the Council to override the veto), a 30-day period of congressional review as
56 provided in section 602(c)(I) of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, approved December
57 24, 1973 (87 Stat. 813; D.C. Official Code§ l-206.02(c)(l)), and publication in the District of
58 Columbia Register.
3
Testimony regarding B22-234
"Leaf Blower Regulation Amendment Act"
Good afternoon,
My name is Nancy Sainburg and I am the owner of The Enchanted Garden, a landscaping
company located here in DC. We have been in business for over 30 years and the
majority of our business is in DC. We provide service to clients with properties as small
as townhouses and as large as several acres, both commercial and residential properties.
You may hear from other testimony here today that it is not possible for landscape
professionals to do our job without the gas powered blowers, but I can tell you from my
own experience that that is completely untrue. We have been using only battery operated
blowers for the past two years and have had no trouble keeping up with the work in a
timely manner. We have had no complaints from clients that our services are taking more
time and have heard nothing but compliments on low noise level from the battery
blowers.
My epiphany regarding the switch from gas blowers to battery blowers occurred two
years ago. I was out walking my dog and heard a leaf blower. When I got closer to the
noise I realized that it was my own landscape crew who were finishing up an installation
in my neighborhood. I had heard it from over two blocks away! That was it for me - the
noise pollution was just too much. I went out the next week and bought a battery operated
blower to see how well it worked.
The initial reaction from the crew was, "Okay, we'll give this toy a try," but pretty soon
they were favoring the battery powered blowers over the gas blowers. The following
spring season we switched to all battery powered equipment. The crew asked if we could
keep one gas blower for the fall leaf season, and I decided to see what would happen.
Once the fall season came, no one even once mentioned using the gas blower!
The people who work with this equipment every day have said that they enjoy using it
much more than the gas equipment. They are not subjected to high noise levels and they
don't have headaches at the end of the day, which was often a complaint.
Thank you,
Nancy Sainburg
The Enchanted Garden LLC
enchantedgarden@mac.com
www.enchantedgardendc.com
TESTIMONY
of
Catherine Plume
DC Chapter of the Sierra Club
before the
D.C City Council Committee of the Whole
July 2, 2018
John A. Wilson Building, Room 412
1· m Catherine Plume, a lifelong environmentalist, a board member and Conservation Chair of the DC Chapter
of the Sierra Club, a member of the Chapte( s Zero Waste Connnittee, blogger and tweeter for the DC Recycler,
and a 20-year resident of \Vard 6.
I am here today to testify on behalf of the DC Chapter of the Sierra Club regarding the bill (B22-234) known as
the Leaf Blower Regulation Amendment Act of 2017. The DC Chapter of the Sierra Club supports this bill as
we feel that the negative health impacts of these machines - especially on workers - should be our primary
concern.
The emissions from these very inefficient gas-powered machines contribute to climate change and health issues,
and this is of great concern to the Club. However, we acknowledge (sadly) that the Federal Clean Air Act pre-
empts most states and cities from regulating emissions from non-mad machinery and that the D.C. City Cotmcil
can't lawfully base enactment of the bill on a desire to control harmful emissions from gas blowers, their
contribution to air pollution, climate change, etc. Given these limitations mandated by law, we urge the Comcil
to legislatively phase out gas-powered leaf blowers to protect the District's citizens - especially landscape
workers - from harmful and invasive noise. For the Sierra Club, this is as much an enviromnentaljustice issue
as it is an environmental issue.
Many of the workers who are subjected to this noise are first-generation Americans. Landscaping is an entry
level job in this area, and many workers struggle with English. Even assuming they mtderstand the dangers that
they're exposing themselves to by perfonning their jobs using gas blowers, most lack the employment secmity
to be able to ask their employers to provide safer equipment. An~ the noise from these leaf blowers is a
nuisance - and has negative health impacts for workers and for residents. Experts will testify to this point today.
~Iheremay be concerns that the requirements of this legislation could have negative financial impacts for
businesses. The Sierra Club is pleased to learn that there are several landscape companies in the DMV that
have opted out of using gas-powered leaf blowers. Thell- businesses are thriving. You,11 hear from some of
them today. The Club would also note_that people have maintained their yards for years - hundreds of years -
without leaf blowers. Yet leaf blower use has become all too cormnon, on even the smallest of yards. In an
environmentally aware city such as DC, we suggest that a business model of ''leaf-blower free"' landscaping
would resonate positively with many District residents and businesses and benefitting all.
Battery-powered and electric leaf blower technology is ever- evolving and quieter, cleaner) and safer models
now exist. The DC Chapter of the Sierra Club supports legislation that will require the use of these newer
models that will emit less noise and/or air pollution and that will result in better and safer conditions for
workers and residents. We urge the Council to pass such legislation.
Thank you for the opportmrity to testify.
udubon
aturalist
ciety
t20 yean of protecting
nature in the DC Regcon
Testimony to the Washington, DC Council on Bill 22-234, the " Leaf Blower
Regu lation Amendment Act of 2017"
Submitted by Eliza Cava (Audubon Naturalist Society Director of Conservation), Janet Bogue (ANS Member &
Volunteer), and David Cottingham (ANS Member & Volunteer).
Presented at July 2"d hearing by David Cottingham.
Thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony to the Council on Bill 22-234, the "Leaf Blower Regulation
Amendment Act of 2017." The Act would ban the sale or use of gasoline-powered leaf blowers in the District of
Columbia beginning in 2022.
On behalf of our over 10,000 members and supporters in the greater Washington, D.C. region, the Audubon
Naturalist Society (ANS) hereby submits testimony on the aforementioned bill. ANS commits itself to inspiring
-residents of the greater Washington, D.C. region to appreciate, understand, and protect their natural
environment through outdoor experiences, education and advocacy. The history of our organization is
grounded in the Audubon movement of the late 1800s, and many of our members are dedicated birders and
naturalists. Because of this commitment, our staff and supporters support Bill 22-234 for the reasons
described below.
Washington's parks, gardens and rivers host 340 species of birds. From Mister President and The First Lady,
the iconic bald eagle pair nesting at the National Arboretum, to DC's official bird, the Wood Thrush, singing on
summer nights in Rock Creek Park, Washington's birds are gifts to our eyes and ears. They are also essential to
healthy ecosystems, not least as pollinators and dispersers of plant seeds and a check-and-balance on insect
populations, including pest species.
Birds vocalize to warn of danger, recognize their own species, defend their territories, find mates, stay in
contact with their young, and find their way during migration. Birds also need to hear predators coming, and
some birds, such as owls, use sound to find prey. This dependence on sound makes birds especially vulnerable
to acoustic impacts. Recent peer-reviewed scientific studies have shown that where there is loud, human-
caused noise, many bird species suffer. Struggling to hear and be heard, they are less protected from
predators and less able to find mates. Their stress hormones are elevated, with poor consequences for their
health and reproductive success. Research has found that many species of birds have tried to change their
voices to be heard above the roar of human activities -- or simply have abandoned noisy environments.
Woodend Sanctuary I 8940 Jones Mill Road, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815 I 301-652-9188
Rust Sanctuary I 802 Childrens Center Road, Leesburg, Virginia 20175 I 703-669-0000
anshome.org
Scientists have documented declines in bird numbers, bird diversity and bird nesting success in environments
with elevated, non-natural noises. 1
When we drive out and drown out birds, we suffer, too. It would be hard to imagine a hearing at which
residents complained about too much birdsong. In fact, some schools in Britain use recorded birdsong to
enhance students' concentration, while a children's hospital in Liverpool uses birdsong -what the poet Shelley
called "a rain of melody" 2-- to reduce stress for their young patients.3 If we reduce unnecessary noises like
those of gas-powered leaf blowers, birds and people will share the benefits.
The National Park Service, a critical District landowner and stakeholder, provides the following information on
the impacts of noise on other non-bird wildlife on their website at
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/sound/effects wildlife.htm :
Research shows that males of at least one frog species are adapting to traffic noise by calling
at a higher pitch .4 This could be problematic for the females, because they prefer lower-
pitched calls, which indicate larger and more experienced males. Human-caused noise has
produced similar results in multiple bird species.s
'In general, a growing number of studies indicate that animals, "like humans, are stressed by
noisy environments. 6 The endangered Sonoran pronghorn avoids noisy areas frequented by
military jets; female frogs exposed to traffic noise have more difficulty locating the male's
signal; gleaning bats avoid hunting in areas with road noise .7
For these reasons, Audubon Naturalist Society supports the passage of Bill 22-234 and urges the Council to also
support this legislation.
Sincerely,
1
Catherine P. Ortega, "Effects of Noise Pollution on Birds: A Brief Review of Our Knowledge," Ornithological Monographs
No. 74, The American Ornithologists' Union, 2012; and Nathan J. Klei st et al., " Chronic Anthropogenic Noise Disrupts
Glucocorticoid Signaling and Has Multiple Effects on Fitness in an Avian Community," Proceedings of the National
Academy of Sciences, 2017.
2
Percy Bysshe Shelley, "To a Skylark"
3
Marc Henshall, " Can Birdsong Really Help You Relax and Concentrate?" soundmattersblog.com, 2016; and Stephen
Moss, "Birdsong: The Cure for All Ills?" The Guardian, August 24, 2010.
4
Parris, K. M ., M. Velik-Lord, and J. M . A. North. 2009. Frogs call at a higher pitch in traffic noise. Ecology and
Society 14(1): 25 . [onl ine] URL: http://www.ecologyand society.org/vol14/issl/art25/
5
Barber, J. R., Crooks, K. R., & Fristrup, K. M. (2010). The costs of chron ic noise exposure for terrestrial organism s. Trends
in ecology & evolution, 25(3), 180-189.
6
Shannon, Graeme, et al. "A synthesis of two decades of research documenting the effects of noise on wildlife." Biological
Reviews 91.4 (2016): 982-1005.
7
Id at 5.
TESTIMONY OF JOHN ''ZACK" KLINE, AOLCP, LICM
Rockville, MD 20853
IN SUPPORT OF
(
I would not be here today if it were not viable to run a successful landscaping business using
battery-powered equipment. The purchase and maintenance of battery-powered equipment such as leaf
blowers allows to me to be competitive in the rates I charge my clients and as a business.
Battery-powered equipment may be somewhat more expensive to purchase upfront, but comes with a
much lower cost of ownership and maintenance compared with gasoline-powered equipment.
We maintain a wide range of properties in the greater Washington DC area including low-end residential,
high-end residential, and commercial properties, all requiring usual cleanup of debris from grass, shrubs,
or leaves.
Many who oppose this bill will say that battery-powered leaf blowers are not always up to the job.
However, I have found that the outdoor power equipment industry has researched, developed,
manufactured, distributed, and sold a new generation of battery-powered leaf blowers that are indeed
up to the job and they are continuing to improve in this R&D.
In the internet age, online information about battery-powered equipment is abundant and easily found.
Also, many organizations exist to educate municipalities, professionals, and homeowners about the use
of battery-powered outdoor power equipment.
The most important advantage of using battery-powered equipment--especially leaf blowers--is the low
noise and zero emissions our employees, customers, and customers' neighbors experience. The people
operating battery-powered leaf blowers, like my employees and myself, are not exposed to harmful air
and noise emissions while working and also require less protective gear to be safe.
The results I have seen in my landscaping business show that properties can be maintained at a
reasonable cost while using battery-powered equipment such as leaf blowers. I recommend the
Committee of the Whole to unanimously pass Leaf Blower Bill (822-0234) so the Districts property
owners can live in a safe, clean, and healthy community where people want to live and work.
''~~
NATIONAL
>><<
~~''
ASSOCIATION OF
LANDSCAPE
PROFESSIONALS
TESTIMONY IN OPPOSITION TO THE LEAF BLOWER REGULATION AMENDMENT ACT OF 2017, B22-034
Thank you for the opportunity to speak this afternoon. My name is Bob Mann and I am the Director of
State and Local Government Relations for the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP)
headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia. I represent over 900 NALP member companies in the District and the
surrounding counties in Virginia and Maryland that maintain landscapes in Washington.
NALP opposes this proposed regulation. I want to acknowledge the concerns of those who have come
here today. As you might be aware, leaf blower ban proposals are not unique to the District, leading NALP
to take tangible steps to ensure that all companies are aware of best practices as leaf blowers are a
necessary and vital part of our industry's toolbox.
Together with our colleagues at the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEi), we have developed and
are implementing the Backpack Blower Safety and Responsible Operation Pledge, as well as Tips for
Backpack Blower Safe and Courteous Operation. As we work towards enrolling all our members in th is
program, we train operators to follow best practices at all times, resulting in an effective balance of
community stewardship, and protection of our environment.
As a practical matter, gasoline-powered leaf blowers are indispensable tools that are necessary in
keeping the District beautiful. Millions of people come from all over the world to visit Washington and
enjoy the over 7,500 acres of parks and marvel at the beautiful landscapes. Trees, lawns, and gardens are
naturally messy spaces that require constant tending, especially in the early spring and the autumn when
tree leaves drop. There is simply no viable alternative to gasoline powered blowers. While excellent for
homeowner use, the electric powered blowers on the market today do not have sufficient power or
duration to replace gasoline engines for professional use.
Leaf blowers are labor multipliers; an employee with a blower can accomplish what two or more
employees can accomplish with manual tools. In an economy where the unemployment rate is in the
single digits, landscape contractors are finding it impossible to find sufficient quantities of employees to
meet demand. There simply aren't enough employees to wield leaf rakes to replace the work performed
by leaf blowers. Mind you, the language in this bill does not differentiate between small, portable blowers
and large-scale blowers -you're attempting to prohibit all gasoline-powered leaf blowers.
Most of noise and emission problems concerning leaf blowers stem from antiquated and ill-maintained
equipment. More stringent regulations on small two-cycle engines from both the EPA and the California
Air Resources Board have yielded much improved noise and emission performance. As older equipment
is phased out in lieu of new and better performing models, the environmental impact of these tools will
abate . We feel that these advances, along with our campaign to increase awareness on the part of our
members, will help allay your concerns so that we can have both a quiet and beautifully maintained
Washington.
,,,, NATIONAL
We respectfully request that the Council reject this measure.
12500 Fair Lakes Circle, Suite 200, Fairfax, VA 22033 Robert H. Mann
Director of State & Local Government Relations
J
T: 703.736.9666 F: 703.322.2066
www.landscapeprofessionals.org
12500 Fair La\\e., Circle, ;,u11e 200. Fa1rtax. VA 22033
D: 703.456.4219 C: 508.648.8582 F: 703.322.2066
w~landscapeprofessionals.org
It is imperative that our company emp loyees always perform their job tasks in
a safe, courteous and respons ible manner. Employees are properly trained on
all equipment and are provided w ith the proper personal safety equipment. Our
company is an environment ally responsible company as we make every effort to be
good stewards of the landscape and the environment.
''~~
NATIONAL
>><< ASSOCIATION OF
LANDSCAPE
• Make sure any fueling overspi ll is wiped • Maintain a safe working distance from
dry before use. other workers on the j ob site at least
30 feet.
• If using battery powered equipment.
make sure batteries are charged and • Never leave a blower running while
always inspect for damage. unattended.
• Be sure the switch is in the off position • Stop the engine when inspecting,
before connecting the battery pack. repairing or cleaning the blower.
• Adjust shoulder straps to reduce back • Be aware of local ordinances that may
strain. regulate the operation of leaf blowers
or other equipment. Hours of operat ion
• Always wear safety glasses and ea r may be limited.
protection.
• Always work carefully. You need t o be
• Wear approp riate work clothes and work safe, courteous and responsible.
shoes or boots.
• When finished, always secured the
• Be aware of bystanders, both people blower properly in the t ruck or t ra iler.
and pets. Always be aware of your
surroundings.
NATIONAL
5 ~ Landscape
Hispanic ''~~
>><< ASSOCIATION OF
LANDSCAPE
~~'' PROFESSIONALS OUTOOOR POWER EQUIPMENT
INSTITUTE
Testimony of Grif Johnson of Quiet Clean DC before the
D.C. Council's Committee of the Whole
Regarding the Leaf Blower Regulation Amendment Act
of 2017 (B22-234)
July2, 2018
1
For the record, my full name is John Griffith Johnson, Jr.
2
D.C. Law 2-53, effective March 16, 1978, Vol. 24 D.C. Register 5293 (Dec. 30, 1977).
3 Section 2 of the 1977 Act reads in its entirety: "The purpose of this act is
to provide comprehensive regulations to control noise levels in the District
of Columbia so as to preserve, protect and promote the public health,
safety and welfare, and the peace and comfort of the inhabitants of the
city, and prevent injwy to humans, animals and property. It is the intent
of the Council of the District of Columbia that this act be liberally
construed to effect its general purpose."
1
Subsequent to the 1977 Act, the Council in 1992 adopted a
regulation that addresses leaf blowers specifically. That
regulation limits both their hours of operation and their noise
output to no more than 70 decibels at a distance of 50 feet.4
2
the gas blower's noise is a very strong low-frequency
component that a battery-powered blower having an identical
decibel rating as the gas blower doesn't generate with the same
strength. That powerful low-frequency element is the source of
the greatest offense to the human ear.
The article notes that seven models of the most popular gas
blowers deliver sound at the operator's ear of between 101 and
104 decibels. Decibels are measured logarithmically, so that a
difference of as little as three decibels represents a doubling of the
s https:/ /www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/pdf/2017-02-vitalsigns.pdf
6 https: // opereviews.com/landscaping/1eaf-blowers/best-ba ckpa ck-blower-shootout/
3
sound's energy. We're talking noise that's several orders of
magnitude above the CDC limit of 85 decibels.
7https://www.totallandscapecare.com/landscaping-equipment/leaf-blower-bans-are-
coming/
4
TESTIMONY
of
Chris Pollock, PE
Arup,
before the
D.C City Council Committee of the Whole
July 2, 2018
John A. Wilson Building, Room 412
designing buildings and spaces for suitable acoustics and noise conditions. I have a degree in Mechanical
Engineering, I am a Licensed Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth of Virginia, have been published in
articles in the field of acoustics and interviewed by various media outlets regarding acoustics and noise
Arup was asked to perform acoustical measurements and provide technical acoustical input and support for the
a. What is the difference in characteristics of the sound produced by commonly used commercial gas leaf
b. What are the implications for the communities in which those machines operate ?
We are not investigating the noise level at the operator ears relative to exposure, but rather the impact on people
and the community surrounding the leaf blowers as they are being used.
leaf blower types. It was arranged for 7 commercial blowers to be used, Blowers were selected for comparable
The leaf blowers selected, and their corresponding labels on the graphs below are as follows:
The battery powered blowers labelled in blue are:
• Greenworks GBB 700
• Stihl BGA I 00
The gas powered blowers are labelled in orange:
• Stihl BR 700x
• Echo PB 760
The full details of the testing sequence, equipment and protocol will be outlined in my written report to follow.
Some of the summary results from our testing are outlined below:
L90@50FT
80.0 ao.o
75 .0 I 75 .0
::l4
70.0
,___ 65.0
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g'
~ 55.0 • ,_ 55.0 !.
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5 "
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. . ........ --- ... ... __ _............ - -
~ I!
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25.0
20.0
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' '
so 63 80 100 125 160 200 250 315 400 500 630 800 lk 1.2.lk 1.61: 2k lSk 3.1.lk 4k 5k 6.3k 8k !Ok A-Weiatu<d Sound Pr""'"
Octan Band Ctntn FrequtDC)• (IU) Le\•eJ
Chris Pollock, Arup - Testimony before the D.C City Council Committee of the Whole
July 2, 20 18 Page 2
l90 (§> Inside Window
soo soo
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e
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:
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.
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- - RIDWX EBZ ISOO STtHI. BR ;~x ECHO PB "60 - - - - Ambll:ll
The horizontal axis of the chart shows frequency, with the left side being very low frequency 'rumble' sounds,
and the right side being high frequency 'hissing' sounds. The vertical axis shows increasing sound pressure
The interesting points to note and where there are significant differences
4. Key Results
a. From the data above, we observed clearly that the group of gas leaf blowers all exhibit a much
higher level of sound energy in the low frequency bands. In a number of cases, this engine noise
is a peak at 100 to 125 Hz. This energy is quite distinctly different for the gas leaf blowers than
the battery powered leaf blowers. This is highlighted by the two blowers, the Echo PB 760 and
the Greenworks GBB 700, both 66.5 dBA at 50 feet, but with dramatically different acoustic
b. Audibility over larger distances: Based on the experience of measuring sound, I witnessed that
the three gas powered leaf blowers at an 800 foot distance were audible, two being clearly
audible (Redmax EBZ 8500 and the Stihl BR 700x) and the third (Echo PB 760) being
Chris Pollock, Arup - Testimony before the D.C City Council Committee of the Whole
July 2, 2018 Page 3
noticeable, while all of the battery powered leaf blowers were not distinguishable above the very
c. Audibility within Houses: One of the challenges with low frequency noise is that it requires
heavy construction or materials to stop the sound transmitting from the outside into the building.
With leaf blowers, the low frequency components of the gas leaf blowers are what is most easily
transmitted, and this is clearly seen in the testing results at 100-125 Hz. These sound levels of
gas powered leaf blowers as measured inside the house, are significantly above those of the
battery powered leaf blowers, even when both the gas and battery blowers are rated at the same
d. How they Sound-: We will demonstrate for you now the sounds of some leafblowers as
captured during our testing so you can experience the sound levels in a community with gas and
battery leaf blowers. These samples are calibrated to represent the measured sound levels
The first sample is a comparison of a gas and a battery blower with the same dB(A) from the
manufacturers standardized testing. The important comparison is that while the overall loudness
may be the same, the acoustic qualities of each and the character of the sound are totally different
Chris Pollock, Arup - Testimony before the D.C City Council Committee of the Whole
July 2, 2018 Page4
experiences. <Calibrated Audio Demonstration>.
L90 @ SOFT
IO.O IO.O(A)
15.0 7S.O(A)
70.0 70.0(A)
6!.0 6S.O(A)
60.0 C!O.O(A)
! 4!.0 4S.O(A) l
] 40.0 V"-----"==""'--.=~0--..,__-<1 40.0(A)~
J5.0 -
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5
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20.0(A)
l l .O 15.0(A)
lO 6J SO 100 125 160 200 250 315 400 lOO 630 IOO It 1.llk 1 61: 2k 2.SI: J.15t 4k St 6 lk II: !Ok A·W<iid>t<d Som! Prmu"
Oda,,. Bud Ct1Un Fnquncy (lfl) t.c.·d
Relative to impact on a community or specific individuals, it may help set the scene to imagine
yourself in your own yard, doing your own thing - be it reading a book, relaxing on the deck or
porch or sitting talking to your neighbor. This sample is the same two leaf blowers measured at
l90@400 FT
!0.0 lQ.O
"0 4'.0
,,
400 ' \
- 40.0
i""-1
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''' , , I
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100 i 10.0
!O I!; 10 100 1:$ 160 200 2$0 ;u .ioo $00 f:JO 100 Uc 12»: I 6k 2.t: l.!k 3.l!l: JJc 't 6Jlr: It. ICl:lr:: A·\\'tigb.adSc:uodPra.:rt l.n"tl
Ot:c:nt Bud C.. tn Treqwt•cy (H.1)
Chris Pollock, Arup - Testimony before the D.C City Council Committee of the Whole
July2,2018 Page 5
Our final demonstration is three leaf blowers as measured inside an adjacent house (Greenworks
GBB 700, Echo PB 760 and the Redmax EBZ 8500), with the leaf blowers operating at 50 feet
from the windows, behind a typical insulated glass window. <Calibrated Audio Demonstration>.
)1).0 so.o
<l .O •so
400 40.0
! [
! JSO JlO
i•
t oo JO.O ..5'
] ~
lJ .O lJ .O
20.0
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\
'\
10.0 ~- ~ 100
so Ill lO 100 Ill 160 200 lJO lll 400 lOO OJ O IOO lk 1.llk I dlt llc 2.SI: J.llk .a. Sk Olk II: IOk
-o- GBB 100 ECHO PB 700 - - - Ambieii -&-. R.a:l\ tn. £8.2 1500.
5. In summary, our measurements indicate that the sound of the gas leaf blowers measured have a
significantly greater low frequency component. This low frequency sound creates a different acoustic
quality to the sound of gas leaf blowers vs. battery leaf blowers. Because low frequency sound travels
further, is audible over greater distances, transmits most easily through the windows and glass doors of
homes and is more audible inside the home. The measured Gas leaf blowers have a greater noise impact
Chris Pollock, Arup - Testimony before the D.C City Council Committee of the Whole
July 2, 2018 Page 6
Appendix:
L90 @ 5FT
9.S.O 9S.O
90.0 900
ss.o - !S O
SO.O so.o
i.S.O
70.0
L_ 1S.O
70.0
6S.O
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1- 6S o
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ra
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ess.o r= ss.o ....
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.
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a
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j l l .O 3.S.O ~
30.0 30 0
lS.O - 2.S.O
20.0
.___ 20.0
1'.0 - l .S.O
10.0
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s.o
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so 63 !0 100 12S 160 200 2SO 315 400 500 630 !00 lk L2Sk I.& 2k 2.lk 3. llk 4k Sk 6.ll: Sk IC A-W.i,l:ud S.~d Pw•m•
Oct.an Bead C..tre F,....a..q (lb) L•nl
_.,. GBB 700 ..._GBB600 -i-BGA JOO STIHL EC-0 600 CHEVROl\
(l,o) ...,._REDMAX EBZ SSOO STIHL BR 700X ECHO PB 760
l 90 @ 100 FT
soo so.o
i.S.O • 15.0
1'00 • 1'00
65 0 ' 65.0
~ 60.0 l 60 0
r...•
! ss.o • ~ ss.o
~
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t 2
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:00
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IS.0
--- : --- .;-- - II ll 0
so 6J SO 100 Ill 160 200 2SO 31S .&00 SOO 6JO SOO ll: 1.2S k I &: 1.1: l !k ) Il k 4l: lk 6.lk !k IOk ;\.\\'uP,1od Som! Puuu1
Oct.an B...d Cnlrw Fnqaney (lb) L•ni
Chris Pollock, Arup - Testimony before the D .C City Council Committee of the Whole
July 2, 2018 Page 7
L90 t!> 200 FT
SO.D so.o
·s.o . 7S.D
"O.D •
i'O.D
6S.D •
6S.D
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60.D
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r
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so 6l IO 100 12~ 160 lOO 2!0 31! 4-00 soo 6JO soo lk I lSk I 61t
Octan llud C..t" frwq- . r (lb)
21: l Sk 3 ISk ~ 51: 6.j k Ille !Ok
l1
A-\\'tip ttd Scmid Prtm:11
15.0
L90 ~ 400 FT
IO 0 IO.O
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20.0
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!O 6) so 100 m 160 200 :uo ll l .ioo soo 630 IOO lk 12lk I 61t 21: 2.51: llSk 4l: 51: 6.3k SI: !Ok A·Wt1P,ted Sound Prunu
O<t1tt Bnd c..." frwquMey (lb) t ..·tl
- cea ·oo - GBS 600 BCA IOO STIHL EGO 600 CHE\'RO!\
- REtt.lAX EBZ SlOO STI!fi.BR i'OOX ECK> PB .60 Amia•al
Chris Pollock, Arup - Testimony before the D.C City Council Committee of the Whole
July 2, 2018 Page 8
DC COW Testimony, July 2, 2018
Jamie Banks, PhD, MS
Executive Director
Quiet Communities, Inc.
Today, gas-powered leaf blowers are ubiquitous throughout the country. They are widely used in
the commercial landscaping industry, today worth around $66 billion in annual revenues.
While gas blowers emit all manner of unhealthy pollutants, today we are focusing on the noise
they emit. Noise emitted from gas blowers is part of the cumulative environmental noise in
which we all live. Today, large numbers of people are involuntarily exposed to levels that are
harmful to both hearing health and general health. Increasing concerns about environmental
noise levels have earned it the label, "The New Secondhand Smoke."
Many health organizations are concerned with the noise produced by gas blowers and their
potential health effects. Here's an example.
Extensive evidence from the medical and scientific communities has shown that high levels of
noise have adverse health effects, ranging from heart disease and hypertension, to sleep
disturbance, to psychological, cognitive, and learning issues, as well as plain old annoyance.
Low frequency noise is particularly concerning. In its community noise guidelines the World
Health states, "If the noise includes a large proportion of low-frequency components, values
even lower than the guideline values will be needed, because low-frequency components in noise
may increase the adverse effects considerably."
The effects of excessive noise are particularly acute for children, seniors, people with hearing
disorders and neurological conditions like autism and sensory deficit disorders - and those who
are arguably among the most exposed - the more than 1 million workers in the landscape
maintenance industry, over half of whom are Hispanic and Latino.
Popular commercial models of gas leaf blowers are shown here - more than 100 dB at the
operator's ear and up to 83 dB at 50 feet. Two are among the 3 gas blowers tested in the acoustic
study. These levels are orders of magnitude above occupational and public health standards.
To examine the community impact of gas and battery blower noise, we applied the sound levels
recorded in the acoustic study and applied them to a hypothetical urban neighborhood with 1/8
acre zoning. For each of the seven blowers tested, we calculated the number of homes affected
by unhealthy levels of outdoor daytime noise defined as 55 dB by the World Health Organization
and Environmental Protection Agency.
For the battery blowers, unhealthy noise affects between 1 and 6 homes. For the quietest gas
blower, up to 23 homes are affected. For the other two gas blowers, up to 91 homes are affected.
In everyday terms, this means that unhealthy noise from a single gas blower can intrude into an
area encompassing more than 90 homes, and presumably any outdoor playgrounds, parks, and
schools in the neighborhood. This situation would be exacerbated if more than one gas blower is
used on a property and/or when several properties in the neighborhood are being maintained.
The distress caused by gas leaf blower noise has prompted 170 communities across the country
to enact legislation to ban or restrict their use. Many others are making similar efforts. Beyond
the community level, the State of MA recently put out nation's the first technical specifications
for commercial grade battery powered equipment to encourage state agencies, public schools,
and municipalities to transition. Big-campus universities including Harvard, Yale, Florida State,
NC State, Cal State, and U TX Austin are transitioning from gas to battery-powered equipment.
In 2016, South Pasadena, CA became the first city in the nation to maintain all municipal lands
and some routine work on its golf courses, year round with BPE. The Town of Southampton, NY
is doing the same. More than 140 companies, some of which you'll hear from today, are now
operating with battery powered equipment and manual tools at competitive prices. The National
Association of Landscape Professionals named battery powered equipment among its top trends
for 2018 stating that "Many lawn mowers, leaf blowers and similar equipment feature low or no
emissions, are battery-powered, and are quieter." Finally, the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute
has formed a committee and is developing standards for battery electric equipment.
CDC: Centers for Disease Control: EPA: Environmental Protection Agency: NICHD: Notional Institute of Child
Health and Human Development; NIDCD: Notional Institute for Deafness and other Communicolion Disorders
1
7/19/2018
o Hearing loss
o Tinnitus o Impaired childhood
o Cardiovascular development
effects* o Impaired cognition
o Immune system o Mental health problems
suppression o Reduced work and
o Stress hormone release school productivity
o Sleep disturbance o Reduced quality of life
* *
2
7/19/2018
@
Fl _......,
~ Stihl BGA 100: 1 Home
• >55dB
~ GW GBB 700 & 600; Ego 600
0 <55 dB
3
Statement by Gregg Easterbrook
D.C. City Council July 2, 2018
Committee of the Whole hearing on the Leaf Blower Regulation
Amendment Act of 2017 (Bill No. 22-234)
Today any new car emits about 1 percent of the smog forming emissions of
cars of a generation ago, yet has more horsepower and higher mileage. Risk of
death per mile traveled is today about one quarter what it was a generation ago.
Meanwhile the inflation-adjusted cost of cars has not risen.
EASTERBROOK/1
This is especially true with the United States population aging, and chronic
impacts of aging increasingly seen as public-health issues. One chronic impact,
hearing loss, may not necessarily be something that "just happens." It may have
causes that can be addressed. One is the low-frequency sound produced by
obsolete two-stroke motors.
If this sound were essential for the operation of society, well then, that
would be that. But the sound of antiquated engines can be eliminated, and
everyone will say, "Why didn't we do that sooner!" In the process we'll reduce
smog-forming emissions, which would not be the purpose of the regulation but
will be a nice bonus.
By acting now, the District can take a leadership position on this issue.
EASTERBROOK/2
Thank you Chairman Mendelson and Councilmembers for this
opportunity to testify.
Our group was convinced we had a compelling case for phasing out
these outdated machines and phasing in the quieter, battery-powered
leaf blowers. The sounds of these are much less damaging to operators
and do not penetrate inside homes, hospitals, schools, etc. as the gas-
powered ones do.
In fact, several municipalities have already taken the lead, ranging from
the city of South Pasadena on the West Coast to the town of
Southampton on the East Coast. Los Angeles and other cities are also
transitioning. These cities maintain hundreds of acres of land with
battery-powered equipment.
We were told not to expect more than a few hundred signatures, but in
short order we had a thousand. Today our petition has 2,319
supporters, a vast number of whom are DC residents.
Let's have our nation's Capital take the lead on this important
legislation! -Susan Orlins July 2, 2018
Re: Bill 22-234, the "Leaf Blower Regulation Amendment Act of2017"
July 2, 2018
Good afternoon. Thank you, Chairman Mendelson and Councilmembers, for the
opportunity today to speak in support of this bill. My name is Haskell Small, I am a
fourth-generation Washingtonian and reside at 3220 44th St. NW in Washington DC.
As a composer and pianist who works at home, I find the horrendous noise of gas-
powered leaf blowers to be not only an intrusion on my right to peace and quiet, but also
an invasion of my space, making it sometimes impossible to work. And in attempting to
calm my nerves with a pleasant walk, I am often bracketed by the pervasive, wailing
scream of these blowers operated by squadrons of lawn maintenance workers.
There are of course many other hazards produced by gas-powered blowers, but the noise
alone is reason enough to ban these machines. Besides being an intolerable disturbance
to the peace, this noise is an assault on our ears, causing irreversible hearing loss, and an
assault on our nervous system, causing stress, sleeplessness and hypertension, not only
for residents but especially for the workers, who typically operate these machines 8 hours
a day.
There is another, under-appreciated hazard to workers using gas blowers- while pursuing
their ludicrous practice of blowing leaves and debris into the street, they are risking their
lives. I recently observed a worker outside my house who danced in front of an
approaching SUV, oblivious to the oncoming traffic because of the blaring sound of his
gas blower. I googled a little and came up with a dozen incidents resulting in injuries and
deaths to workers in this situation. Note that this is not an issue with battery-pack
blowers, as their higher pitched, less-growly sound doesn't mask the sound of
approaching traffic.
Thank you again, Chairman Mendelson and the Committee members for this opportunity
to address this vitally important issue. I would be happy to take your questions.
Re: Bill 22-234, the "Leaf Blower Regulation Amendment Act of 2017"
July 2, 2018
My name is Lucia Buchanan Pierce, and I am a longtime Ward 3 Resident. I'm here to introduce
a video on behalf of my friend Deborah Fallows, a founding member of QCDC. Ms. Fallows
regrets she cannot be here because of an unbreakable prior commitment.
I wish to thank Chairperson Phil Mendelson and other members of this Committee for the
opportunity to provide testimony. I also wish to thank Councilmember Mary Cheh, the
sponsor ofB-22 234, the Leaf Blower Regulation Amendment Act of2017, and the bill's
co-sponsors, Council Members Allen, Grosso, McDuffie, and Bonds.
Gas-powered leaf blowers are extremely noisy. The noise from gas-powered leaf
blowers is painful and possibly dangerous to the ears of people nearby and disturbs the
peace of neighborhoods where used. Such leaf blowers, in their immediate area, greatly
exceed noise limits deemed safe by the Environmental Protection Agency and the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration and are clearly dangerous to their
operators. According to Hammer, Monica S., Swinburn, Tracy K., and Richard L.
Neitzel, "Environmental Noise Pollution in the United States: Developing an Effective
Public Health Response," Environmental Health Perspectives, vol. 122, no. 2 (2014) 116-
119, noise loud enough to cause hearing loss can also raise blood pressure and may
contribute to heart disease.
https://staticl.sguarespace.com/static/57e80a57414fb52bddd43 lfl/t/58657eda29687f721
72b5c39/1483046618986/us-environmental-noise-pollution.pdf
Therefore, we urge the Council to pass and the Mayor to sign the Leaf Blower Bill.
Thank you for the opportunity to testify today. I would be happy to answer any
questions.
RESOLUTION OF THE WARD THREE DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEE IN SUPPORT OF ''THE LEAF BLOWER
REGULATION AMENDMENT ACT OF 2017"
WHEREAS, the noise from a gas-powered leaf blower in the immediate area of such a blower far exceeds
noise levels considered safe by the EPA and OSHA and, thus, is dangerous to the ears of the person
operating such a blower; and
WHEREAS, the noise from gas-powered leaf blowers is painful, if not dangerous, to the ears of other
nearby persons and disturbs the peace of our neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, gas-powered leaf blowers are a health hazard as they produce fine particulate matter and
ozone forming chemicals; and
WHEREAS, gas-powered leaf blowers are so powerful that they disturb topsoil and disperse a variety of
substances including, fungi, microbes, and pollen into the air, putting workers and passers-by at risk;
and
WHEREAS, electric/battery powered blowers are considerably quieter, do not produce fine particulate
matter or ozone forming chemicals, and operate at lower speeds causing less soil disturbance; and
WHEREAS, Councilmember Cheh has introduced the "Leaf Blower Regulation Amendment Act of 2017"
to prohibit the use of gas-powered leaf blowers in the District as of January 1, 2022, providing time for
homeowners and lawn care companies to switch to electric/battery powered mowers;
THEREFORE, it is hereby resolved by the Ward Three Democratic Committee (Committee) that:
1. The Committee supports the "Leaf Blower Regulation Amendment Act of 2017".
2. The Committee requests that Chairman Mendelson hold a hearing on the Act without delay.
3. The Chair is authorized to take all reasonable actions to implement this resolution.
My name is Anne Cauman. I live at 4405 38th Street, N.W. in Ward 3. I want to thank
the Committee for giving me the opportunity to provide testimony.
It wasn't so bad several years ago when leaf blowers were mainly used in the fall, but in
the last three or four years in my neighborhood they seem to be in almost constant use.
Many home owners relatively near me (including two of my three closest neighbors) use
lawn services which routinely use leaf blowers. I use a lawn service to mow my lawn,
but do NOT routinely have them use leaf blowers. In the fall, even though we are senior
citizens with orthopedic issues, my husband and I normally rake our leaves.
The longer that leaf blowers have been used a lot while I am gardening, the more
sensitive I have become to their noise and other loud noises. After awhile I bought
myself ear protectors to put on when I heard leaf blowers. First, I tried protectors which
blocked out 20db of noise, but soon bought 30db protectors even though they are less
comfortable. I keep them with my gardening equipment.
At the same time that I became more sensitive to noise I began having hearing problems
and now wear hearing aids at least part of the time. Long before I had heard of the Leaf
Blower Bill, I became convinced that noise exposure in my yard was related to my
hearing loss (although I had no proof). When I first read in the Northwest Current that
Councilmember Cheh had sponsored a bill to ban gas-powered leaf blowers I was thrilled
because I want to get rid of that noise. My only concern is that the ban will not take
place until 2022.
When I recently learned that gas-powered leaf blowers also spew out large amounts of
particulates and ozone, my opposition to them strengthened.
I know that there is concern about the cost of replacing gas-powered leaf blowers.
Alternatives are getting cheaper and more powerful. But, in any case, I think the most
important thing is peace and quiet and health - my health and the health of lawn care
workers whose exposure to noise and air pollution is worse than mine. The equities lie
with safety. Safety, not money, should be the Council's main concern. Health problems
will also cost money and it probably will not be big lawn care companies paying for that.
Bill 22-234, the "Leaf Blower Regulation Amendment Act of 2017" Monday, July 2, 2018
Thank you Chairman Mendelson and Council members for the opportunity to speak about stress and the lower
quality of life from gas leaf blowers.
My name is Joey Spatafora, and I have three problems with gas-powered leaf blowers: They are
1) In my bed,
2) In my home office, and
3) On my sidewalks.
From my fourth-floor Connecticut Avenue apartment, I experience almost daily exposure to gas-powered leaf
blowers, often throughout the day.
I work from home as an engineer, and also spend time in loud computer server rooms. I've also played in a rock
band, so I'm no stranger to loud noise.
I have no problem with the sounds and traffic noise of Connecticut Avenue; however, gas-powered leaf blowers'
sound is different: it disrupts my work, concentration, and walks. Often, a gas leaf-blower disrupts my business
conference calls, making it difficult to concentrate or even hear my co-workers.
It's not unusual for my workday to begin with the sound of gas leaf blowers before 8:30. Operators circle the
building across the street year-round. Sometimes they even jar me awake.
I've tried several solutions on my own:
1) Expensive noise-cancelling headphones, but they almost amplified the leaf blowers because they blocked out
most other sounds instead;
2) Weather stripping to seal window frames. This didn't work, because the sound penetrates windows. and, I'm
told, walls;
3) "Noise reduction" companies to seal my window, but this was neither feasible nor affordable in a rental
apartment.
So I resort to auditory masking instead:
1) I turn on the dishwasher-even if I have no dirty dishes-and
2) I play loud rock music.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman and members of the Council, for holding a hearing on the proposed Leaf Blower
Regulation Amendment Act of 2017 and requesting public comments.
I'm an ANC Commissioner in Glover Park-Cathedral Heights but I'm speaking as an individual, not as a
representative of the ANC. Like many ANCs, we have heard concerns about noise from leaf blowers and
have had several discussions on the subject over recent years. Along with so many policy challenges facing
the city, we rely on the Council to research the issues, have informed deliberations, and come up with sound
answers to deal with the problems.
The issue is complex, raising questions of the environment, public health and safety, technology, costs,
economic and financial impacts on residents and businesses, legal jurisdiction, enforcement authority and the
levers available to make things happen and achieve public purposes.
I am concerned that the legislation as written does not:
A - identify the problem carefully enough--the who, what, where, when behind leaf blower noise
B - effectively target the most noisy and offensive leaf blowers and how/when/where they are used
C - create enforcement mechanisms that will work to get at the problem of leaf blower noise
D - provide relief to residents in the short term (since the effective date is not until January 1, 2022)
It seems clear that many residents do not like hearing the leaf blowers, especially for prolonged periods, in
their homes when they are trying to read, work, sleep, get children to sleep, or have the peace and quiet they
want in their residences. The high pitched sounds are a particular problem, but so is the duration of the noise.
Quiet Clean DC asked to make a presentation to my ANC earlier this year, supporting the proposed bill 22-
0234, and we raised several questions including when residents might begin to notice a difference, how much
it would cost current owners of leaf blowers, whether the ban is targeting the devices that are going to be
causing the major problems, and how well it could be enforced. I asked about the fact that some of the most
popular and best rated leaf blowers on the market are now electric and they are just as powerful and create
noise levels in decibels that are just as high or higher than the best rated gas leaf blowers. That is partly
because manufacturers have been trying adjust to consumer interests, so they are making electric leaf
blowers more powerful and they are making gas leaf blowers quieter and cleaner. The QCDC information
sheets did not seem up to date on these changes.
All the members of my ANC recommended asking the Council to hold a hearing on the proposed legislation.
I recommended that we encourage the Council to consider noise from leaf blowers beyond just those
powered by gas and to take action that would most effectively target the noise problems people we see today
and expect in the future. The other ANC members went with the QCDC recommendation to support the
proposed legislation, hoping the Council would sort out any problems--We do trust Councilmember, Mary
Cheh, to do the right thing on issues of energy and the environment! So the vote was 4-1 on our resolution.
A number of other AN Cs in the area have also looked into the leaf blower issue and some have supported the
proposed legislation but ANC3F also raised questions about the way the proposed bill is structured, the types
of leaf blowers that are targeted, and the enforcement mechanisms, and asked the Council to look into the
technology, costs and financial impacts, and adopt performance-based standards rather than a gas leaf-blower
ban. I commend to you their resolution of April 17, 2018.
Citizens and ANCs have limited resources for in-depth research and cannot bring together all the informed
witnesses that the Council has the capacity to hear from. I hope the Council will take a close look at what the
legislation does compared to the nature of the problem we are trying to solve, assesses the regulatory
approaches available, balances the cost considerations, and comes up with a better way to address the issue.
Like our ANC members, I believe the Council does not just want to just take action to make people think
we're doing something, we want to get to a solution that will actually make a positive difference.
I would like to see the Council take an in-depth look at:
1. What is the problem we is trying to solve?
What causes the irritation, what times and other circumstances situations make it most problematic, who
is behind the offending behavior, and where is it usually occurring? Is the greatest problem caused by
homeowners using leaf blowers on their properties, or contractors at large buildings? Is there a difference
in the effect by the type of device, the time it is used, the length of time, etc.? And who has the ability to
change those various elements-the individual homeowner, a building manager, a contractor, a tenant or
homeowner association, neighbors, regulators, vendors?
2. What is the current and expected state of leaf blower technology and how will that affect the noise
potential and use patterns of the devices in the city for residents and commercial use in the coming years?
3. How well are the proposed provisions designed to deal with the changing technologies, use patterns,
and noise profiles of the leaf blowers and related devices we are likely to be seeing?
4. How well are the proposed provisions designed to get current owners to give up the offending devices
they now own and replace them with less noisy and harmful devices in the future?
5. What mechanisms other than a ban on gas-leaf blowers are available for influencing behavior to reduce
or eliminate the problems associated with leaf blower noise, and which ones could be more effective?
a. Could the city achieve significant improvement through better public information to residents,
building managers, lawn and garden maintenance teams, retail suppliers, and enforcement personnel?
b. Are there incentives or disincentives that could motivate various parties to make better choices?
c. Would consultation, coordination, or partnerships among actors improve the situation for residents?
d. What is the best balance to strike to achieve effective results for residents without excess costs to
residents or businesses, inefficiencies, work-arounds and other weaknesses in the regulatory approach?
To adopt useful legislation, the Council really should know more precisely the nature of the challenge, when
and where and how it most often arises. The Council also needs to evaluate carefully why the existing
regulations do not work to alleviate the problem. The city adopted noise regulations that make it illegal for
anyone to operate a device like a leaf blower ifthe sound exceeds 65 dBA within 20 feet of the device. I do
not know if anyone has been successfully cited for a violation for using a leaf blower under that statute, but it
clearly has not worked to prevent noisy, disruptive, and even dangerous leaf blowers.
Why has the noise regulation not worked? It is my understanding that the city has very few people in a
position to enforce a noise complaint, whether located at a fixed facility such as a bar or restaurant or
associated with a "mobile source" such as a leaf blower. And even when if you can get a regulatory official
fro DCRA to come out to a site to examine a complaint, the only way that individual can issue a citation is to
have a professional quality device for measuring the sound level at the scene when she or she is there,
identify with certainty that the noise exceeds the allowable level, and find someone responsible for using the
device and/or causing the unlawful noise. That is extremely difficult in any case, because the offending
person generally has plenty of time to adjust the sound, turn off the offending device, or leave the location
before a regulatory official can arrive on the scene and take the required measurements. The proposed
legislation would present the same difficulty in getting a person on the scene who could measure the sound
level and confirm a violation has occurred. No new staff is identified to carry out the regulations, no new
resources are identified to be used for this allotted to this function, MPD and DCRA staff do not have enough
time to carry out this responsibility, and there is no clear answer to how this could be achieved.
Who would check whether someone was buying one of the leaf blowers banned by the law with he intent of
using it in the District? Would there be some prima facie evidence, such as that an individual is buying the
leaf blower for personal use and the person resides in the District? Would any contractor with a business
address in the District be assumed to be intending to use the device in the District? Would the city require a
purchaser of a banned leaf blower to sign an affidavit at the point of sale saying the device would not be used
in the District? Would there be a larger fine for violating the commitment in the affidavit?
It is my understanding that each leaf blower currently on the market is rated and labeled with the level of
noise it creates at a specified distance. Would it be helpful to post the information with leaf blowers for sale
in any District establishment, making clear which ones are rated as violating the District noise standards for
leaf blowers? This information could also be posted on the web, in PSAs and flyers to residents, building
managers and contractors noting the high noise levels and risks associated with various leaf blowers. It could
become a violation to be found using one of the leaf blowers rated as exceeding the legislated noise limit.
2
If the most irritating noise is the higher pitched sounds, which are not as common for electric leaf blowers
and can also be reduced or muffled on some gas-powered leaf blowers (see https://reactual.com/home-and-
garden/guietest-leaf-blower-2017.html that should also be indicated on labels and could be included in
published lists of leaf blowers that exceed city noise limits.
With a list of the exceedingly noisy and irritating models or types of leaf blowers on the market, it would be
possible not only for individuals to select less aggravating and potentially harmful leaf blowers, and for
building managers or tenants/owners associations to commit not to use equipment on that list and to choose
only contractors who do not use equipment on that list.
If the Council determines the specific uses of leaf blowers that are most disturbing to residents, such as:
- prolonged use (20-30 minutes or more), which may be most common at large commercial properties
- repeated use over a short span of time, such as every morning to clear a front walk or drive (which also
may be most common at large commercial properties)
- use at times when people are tJying to sleep, such as first thing in the morning
that could point to other avenues that could be useful to pursue in regulation, such as mechanisms that would
penalize using leaf blowers more frequently, beyond a specified length of time, or before a certain hour. One
suggestion was to ask for leaf blowers to be used no more than once a week.
One possibility would be for a specific area to tJy a pilot project to see how a more carefully targeted set of
provisions could work to reduce irritating leaf blower noise and avert use of the noisiest leaf blowers.
Options for Pilot Project to Reduce Leaf Blower Noise
- meeting and talking with local residents, building managers, landscaping companies, retail vendors
of leaf blowers, et.c., to discuss the noise problems reported with leaf blowers and various potential
recommendations for improving the situation, to gauge community concerns and interests, the level of
support for various prospective approaches, and concerns about potential costs and drawbacks
- distributing information on noise problems with leaf blowers, city regulations and the pilot program
using the web, listservs, Facebook, Twitter, doorknob hangers, and flyers.
- organizing demonstrations of leaf blowers to show the difference in noise levels from loudest to quietest
- working with tenants/owners associations, building managers, and apartment management
companies to let them know about quieter and less harmful leaf blower options and encourage them to
commit to having their staff and contractors using only leaf blowing equipment that does not exceed the
city's noise limits.
- working with local retail vendors of leaf blowers such as Ace Hardware to display the noise level
ratings of all leaf blowers and organize coupons or other promotions to encourage purchase of those that
meet city noise limits (for example, a "buy back" program providing a $50 coupon to each customer who
trades in a gas leaf blower rated as exceeding the noise limits).
- setting restrictions on use of leaf blowers such as no longer than I 0 minutes in an hour, no more than
once a week at the same location, no earlier than 9 am on weekdays/I 0 am on weekends or holidays.
- requiring ear protection for users of leaf blowers exceeding a specified noise level rating, with fines
- developing an app, online and/or paper form for residents to report a property or individual using a
leaf blower that goes beyond established time restrictions or is listed as exceeding allowable noise levels or
not using ear protections. Three reports covering different days/instances could trigger a citation/fine.
- allowing someone receiving a citation to present evidence their leaf blower does not exceed the noise
limits or they've turned in the leafblower and purchased a leaf blower that meets the limits, and avoid a fine
- collecting data on the effects of each of these initiatives, in number of devices retired/replaced, hours of
irritating noise eliminated, number of buildings and retailers and landscaping companies participating, etc.
Since Ward 3 has been a focus of discussions about leaf blower noise, a pilot program in that area would
probably make sense. I would be happy to help bring people together to organize and launch that idea and
gather the key data on results, so the Council and executive could see how it works.
I would be glad to share any background information I have. Attached are some additional questions related
to the proposed legislation B22-0234. I believe the impetus for the bill is to get some improvement for
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3
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1. Since noise is the most frequent source of objection to leaf blowers, it would be important to know the noise levels
from electric leaf blowers v. gas-powered leaf blowers, especially the newest electric (cord or battery-powered) models
available for a) residential use and b) commercial use. Some consumer reports indicate high levels of noise from highly-
rated new electric-powered leaf blowers (which are being built with more power because customers didn't think they got
enough blowing capacity from the early lower-speed models of electric leaf blowers).
2. Most residential customers purchase small hand-held leaf blowers, sometimes under $100, and use them only a few
times a year. (EPA's 2011 study showed that 100% of leaf blowers under 1 horsepower/hp were used by individual
residents and 92.5% of leaf blowers 1-3 hp, while 100% of leaf blowers >3 hp were in commercial use.) That same study
reported that residential leaf blowers were used 9 hours per year while commercial leaf blowers were used 282 hours per
year. This may go along with the perception that leaf blowers used at commercial properties are the source of more
noise, more prolonged noise, and more complaints than leaf blowers in residential use. Are there larger electric and
battery-powered blowers available that commercial landscaping crews would be able to use if they could not use gas-
powered leaf blowers, or would they have to find a different alternative, such as a lawn mower with vacuum or bagging
capacity? What would be the effect on noise levels, emissions, health, and costs?
3. How does the noise from gas-powered leaf blowers compare to noise from other gas-powered lawn and garden
maintenance equipment (lawn mowers, trimmers, edgers, "weed whackers"), especially the frequency and loudness of
the sound, as well as the hours of use, since those seem to be characteristics that create the greatest annoyance?
4. Another major concern about gas-powered leaf blowers is emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrous oxides, benzen.e and
other volatile organic compounds which can be carcinogenic, as well as soot and other particulate matter which can
create health problems for those with asthma or other respiratory difficulties. How do emissions of those compounds from
gas-powered leaf blowers compare to emissions from other gas-powered lawn and garden maintenance equipment that
might be used as a substitute? (Electric leaf blowers do not emit C02 , NOx. benzene or other voes, but can blow
particulate matter, especially in the newer leaf blowers with high blowing power.)
5. How do the noise levels from gas leaf blowers compare for 2-stroke engines v. 4-stroke engines used for residential
purposes (less than 3 hp) and also for commercial leaf blowers (especially 4-stroke engines over 3 hp? Are the advances
in muffling noise from leaf blowers affecting commercial models more than those in residential use?
6. How would the proposed legislation be enforced? (The bill says the Mayor may enforce the provisions of the bill by
issuing a notice of infraction pursuant to the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs Civil Infractions Act;
adjudication would be handled under that same Civil Infractions Ad; and a fine of no more than $500 could be levied, but
there is flexibility: ·civil fines, penalties, and fees may be imposed for any infraction:)
- Would individual residents be asked to report to 311, DCRA or someone else in city government when they observe a
leaf blower they believe to be gas-powered a) being sold for use in the District or b) being used in the District?
- Would a store be responsible for checking the ID/street address of a purchaser of a gas-powered leaf blower or would
the ban on sales for use In the District be on the honor system, left to the customer (which appears to be the expectation
from the provision that the store would simply be required to post a •conspicuous notice" that any gas-powered leaf
blower may not be used in the District)?
- Some of the regulatory options raise parallels to provisions for reporting overgrown vegetation or unsightly refuse. In
those cases, DPW comes out to check, takes pictures and issues a citation. But in those cases, the offensive material is
static, whereas a leaf blower can be quickly shut off and removed from sight. Would a city official come to the site of a
reported use of a gas-powered leaf blower, check whether the machine is a gas-powered leaf blower and determine if it
had been used at that property? Or would the city send a citation when a violation is reported by a resident or observer
who is not a DCRA official? ·
- Would the individual or company reported to be using a gas-powered leaf blower be given a chance to provide
evidence that they were not using that type of device at the reported time and location?
- Would the city issue a fine on the first reported use, or issue a warning? Would the emphasis be on the penalty or would
the city make an effort to ensure that the individual or company does not use the offending leaf blower again?
- Would the order and fine go to the commercial company, if a professional lawn service is reported to be the party using
the leaf blower, or would the fine go to the property owner (resident or commercial client using the service)?
- Would a $500 fine for each reported (and verified) infraction be sufficient to deter a commercial company from
continuing to use a gas-powered leaf blower?
- How would the city or DCRA ensure that enforcement would be effective and equitable?
- What would the cost implications be for individuals or companies of proposed ban and fines, if they were enforced?
- How many or what proportion of gas-powered leaf blowers are expected to be retired/cease to be used under the
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4
COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW,
Washington, DC 20004
RE: Bill 22-234, the "Leaf Blower Regulation Amendment Act of2017"
Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee of the Whole, thank you for this
opportunity to testify today in favor of the Leaf Blower Regulation Amendment Act of 2017,
introduced by Councilmember Mary Cheh. My name is Lou Pugliaresi. I am resident of the
District of Columbia.
At first, leaf blowers were primarily used only during the Fall. Now, however, they are
in use year-round, regardless of the weather, rain or shine. The noise begins early in the
morning and often does not recede until after 7pm, Monday through Saturday. The impact on
the quality of our life has been significant. We are now unable to open the windows in our home
during the day for fresh air. Even with closed windows, the sound permeates the rooms of our
house, requiring us to use fans, headphones and other noise-cancelling machines indoors to
drown out the revving of the leaf blowing engines. We are also no longer able to use our decks,
one of th~ reasons we moved to Wesley Heights. In short, we have arrived at an absurd outcome
for little or no perceptible gain. Most of the time, the blowers are being used to move only a few
leaves off lawns and walkways to achieve a short-lived pristine look made possible only by the
advent of the leaf blower.
It is hard to understate the impact of the noise. When the blowers are in operation across
the street, the noise when standing at the front door often exceeds 70 decibels far above the DC
residential daytime limit. 1 This is because blowers often operate in pairs, which increases the
noise level significantly. When we have asked workmen to stop for dinner guests, they have
correctly responded that there is no law against their use. We have reluctantly concluded that
legislation is needed. The noise from gas powered leaf blowers represent a classic extemality,
1
Note decibel measurements use a logarithmic scale, rather than a linear one. A 10-dB difference represents a
tenfold increase in intensity.
' . . -
one that cannot be underestimated in its impact on the quality of life. As many of us work from
home, the frustration is enormous. Wesley Heights is no longer a pleasant place to live; our
homes are no longer relaxing.
We strongly support the legislation, but would request that the ban be imposed earlier,
rather than 2022. We have an electric lawnmower and leaf blower and are happy to report that
both work well, producing much less noise.
Banning the use of gas powered leaf blowers would also have the secondary benefit of
significantly reducing ozone-forming emissions. It makes very little sense to ask consumers to
pay significantly more for fuel-efficient vehicles when the increased emissions from the
unfettered use of gas-fired leaf blowers risks eliminating the benefit. 2
Thank you for this opportunity to testify. I would be happy to answer any questions.
2
The California Air Resources Board now estimates that the emissions from leaf blowers could exceed vehicle
emissions by 2020. https:/!www .npr.org/2017/02/~8/5 l 75 7643 I /ca Ii forn hi-weighs-tougher-emissions-rules-for-gas-
powered-garden-eg uipment
Equipment
OPEi
OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT INSTITUTE
Engines
UTVs
July2,2018
The Honorable Phil Mendelson
Chairman, Council of the District of Columb ia
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20004
Re: Written Testimony in opposition to 822-034, "The Leaf Blower Regulation Amendment Act of 20 17"; public hearing
before Council Committee of the Whole, July 2, 20 18
My name is Daniel Mustico, I serve as Vice President of Government & Market Affairs fo r the Outdoor Power Equipment
Institute, the trade association representing manufacturers of leaf blowers.
My testimony today is in opposition to the proposed legislation, as it is the wrong approach to addressing the identified concerns.
Instead we should recognize and rely on the continuous innovation of these products and improved education about their safe
and courteous use. These market-based solutions alleviate the need for this legislation.
First, leaf blowers do more than j ust blow leaves. They are used by landscapers and homeowners to clean yards. parking lots and
sports stadiums, remove snow, clean gutters, and clear flammable debris. Communities want safe and clean spaces and
landscapes, and often leaf blowers are the best solution.
On product innovation, manufacturers have invested mi llions of dollars in the last 15 years resulting in blowers that are as much
as 75% quieter, and gas-powered engines that have reduced air emissions as much as 90%. Continuous improvements to both
electric- and gas-powered leaf blowers are effectively addressing the underlying concerns of this legislation.
On safe and courteous use ed ucati on, OPEi has developed new videos for use by landscapers and retailers in explaining
manufacturer recommended use guidelines. This series is included in a toolk it provided in our written subm ittal to the council ,
and is also publicly available at OPEi: Leaf Blowers Today [opei.org/leafblowers]. As an example. rd like to play the following
video which foc uses on noise concerns.
Leaf Blowers Today: Quieter Equ ipment Evolves - YouTube [https://youtube/-6NvBspqFP8]
In conclusion, we ask for the Council's consideration of these market-based solutions in place of the subject legislation. This bill
will only have adverse impacts on the city's businesses and residents who use, sell, and rely on these important products.
Thank you for the time to express our concerns.
Best regards,
Daniel J. Mustico
Vice President, Government & Market Affairs
Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, Inc.
1605 King Street
Alexandria, VA 223 14
(703) 678-2990; dmustico@opei.org
cc: Members of the Council of the District of Columbia
1605 King Street - Alexandria, VA 22314 - PH: 703.549.7600 - FAX: 703.549.7604 - www.opei.org
Testimony before the Committee as a Whole
July 2, 2018
B22-234: Leaf Blower Regulation Amendment Act of 2017
Mr. Chairman, as ANC Commissioner in ANC3D I have been working with the Quiet Clean DC
organization to support this bill which ANC3D has endorsed. At points during my 25 year career at the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency I directed both the Federal Noise Control Program and the
Federal Air Pollution Program so I am particularly interested in gas-powered leaf blowers.
I want to address the question of whether the concern about noisy leaf blowers is simply something
that a very small number of super sensitive people fuss about? Don't be embarrassed if this thought has
crossed your mind. It is a natural hypothesis arrived at by many intelligent and well-meaning individuals
when they first hear about Council Member Cheh's bill.
But Quiet Clean DC set out to prove this hypothesis wrong. Mr. Grif Johnson whom you have heard this
afternoon set out across this city to gauge whether this is a problem dreamed up by just a few people.
Mr. Johnson came back, after countless hours of meetings with neighborhood leaders, with resolutions
from twelve (12) Advisory Neighborhood Commissions1 representing forty-six (46) different and distinct
neighborhoods across seven (7) Wards of this city. 2 Their resolutions are attached to this testimony.
As an ANC Commissioner I can make the point-a point that I know that the several Council members
who have served on ANC's know to be the fact-that it is hard to get on the agenda of an ANC to have a
discussion of a matter of this breadth; it is even harder to persuade them to pass a resolution. They
don't suffer fools easily, and don't put their names on something unless they understand it and approve
it.
So, this is NOT just a problem identified by a few residents in one part of town. This is a city-wide
problem that needs to be addressed, and we thank the Committee as a Whole for taking up the issue.
1
ANC lC; ANC 20; ANC 2F; ANC 38; ANC 30; ANC 3E; ANC 4C; ANC SB; ANC SE; ANC 6C; ANC 60; ANC 70
2
Adams Morgan (1 C); American University (3D) ; American University Park (3E) ;
Berkley (30); Bloomingdale (SE); Brookland (SB); Capitol Hill (6C); Carrollsburg
(60); Cathedral Heights (3B); Columbia Heights (4C); Crestwood (4C); Downtown
(2F); Eastland Gardens (70); Eckington (SE); Edgewood (SE); Fort McNair (6D);
Foxhall (30); Friendship Heights (3E); Glenwood (SE); Glover Park (3B); Kalorama
(2D); Kennilworth (70); Kent (3D); Kingman Park (7D);Logan Circle (2F); Mayfair
(7D); Michigan Park (SB) ; Navy Yard (60) ; Near Northeast (6C) ; Near Southwest-
Southeast (6D) ; New Mexico-Cathedral (30) ; NoMa (6C) ; North Michigan Park (SB) ;
Palisades (3D); Petworth (4C); Queen's Chapel (SB); Rhode Island Avenue (SB); Shaw
(2F); Sheridan (20); 16th Street Heights (4C); Spring Valley (30); Tenleytown (3E);
Truxton Circle (SE); Waterfront (6D); Wesley Heights (3D); Woodridge (SB)
*** Advisory Neighborhood Commission 1 C
PO Box 21009, NW, Washington, DC 20009
www.anc1c.org
Reoresentina Adams Moraan
Commissioners:
Sincerely,
WHEREAS, the operation of gas-powered leaf blowers generates noise levels that far exceed health
and safety standards and have been shown to contribute to serious environmental and public-health
problems, including emissions of pollutants into the environment that greatly exceed levels produced
by automobiles;
WHEREAS, studies document that among the populations most seriously threatened by the operation
of gas-powered leaf blowers are those operating the equipment themselves, as well as those in near
proximity to such operation, especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions and;
WHEREAS, the noise from leaf blowers can potentially damage a person's hearing, and produce
health concerns such as heart disease, hypertension, and an increased risk of heart attack; and
WHEREAS, the wind force from the leaf blowers disturbs topsoil and other materials lying below the
leaf layer dispersing spores, fungi, pollen, and chemical residue from insecticides, rodenticides,
herbicides and fungicides as well as other potential allergens and particles of animal feces into the air;
and
WHEREAS, cleaner and quieter cordless battery-powered leaf blowers are increasingly available and
are being used already by some landscaping companies and homeowners with effective results and at a
competitive price; and
WHEREAS, a bill (B22-0234) has been introduced in the D.C. City Council by Council Member
Mary Cheh, co-sponsored by Council Members Anita Bonds, David Grasso, Kenyan McDuffie, and
Charles Allen, to phase out the sale and operation of gas-powered leaf blowers in the District of
Columbia after an adequate period for current owners and retailers of such equipment to amortize their
inventories and transition to healthier and more environmentally-sustainable alternatives; and
THEREFORE, at a duly noticed meeting of ANC IC, held on May 2, 2018, at which a quorum was
present, and by a unanimous vote, ANCIC adds its name to endorse the enactment ofB22-0234; and
urges the City Council to enact B22-0234, and Mayor Muriel Boswer to sign the legislation as enacted,
at the earliest practicable time.
-
***
GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2D
WHEREAS, DC Council Bill B22-0234 has been introduced into the DC Council
by Councilmember Mary Cheh, co-sponsored by Councilmembers Anita Bonds,
David Grosso, Kenyan McDuffie, and Charles Allen, to phase out the sale and
operation of gas-powered leaf blowers in the District of Columbia after an
adequate period for current owners and retailers of such equipment to amortize
their inventories and transition to healthier and more environmentally-sustainable
alternatives.
David Bender
Chair
Commissi oners
2F01 Jason Forman, Secretary 2 F05 Ron Rubin
2F02 John Guggenmos, Vice-Chair 2F06 Charlle Bengel , Secretary
2F03 Alex Graham, Treasurer 2F07 Kevin Sylvester
2F04 John Fan ni ng, Chair 2F08 Kevin Deeley
Adam Beebe, Executive Director
A RESOLUTION
OF ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 2F
Resolution in Support of the Leaf Blower Regulation Amendment Act of 2017
March 7, 2018
WHEREAS, the operation of gas-powered leaf blowers generates noise levels that far exceed
health and safety standards and have been shown to contribute to serious environmental and
public - health problems, including emissions of pollutants into the environment that greatly
exceed levels produced by automobiles; and
WHEREAS, studies document that among the populations most seriously threatened by the
operation of gas-powered leaf blowers are those operating the equipment themselves, as well as
those in near proximity to such operation, especially children, the elderly, and those with
respiratory conditions and;
WHEREAS, the noise from leaf blowers can potentially damage a person's hearing, and produce
health concerns such as heart disease, hypertension, and an increased risk of heart attack; and
WHEREAS, the wind force from the leaf blowers disturbs topsoil and other materials lying
below the leaf layer dispersing spores, fungi , pollen, and chemical residue from insecticides,
rodenticides, herbicides and fungicides as well as other potential allergens and particles of
animal feces into the air; and
WHEREAS, cleaner and quieter cordless battery-powered leaf blowers are increasingly available
and are being used already by some landscaping companies and homeowners with effective
results and at a competitive price; and
WHEREAS, a bill (B22-0234) has been introduced in the D.C. City Council by Council Member
Mary Cheh, co-sponsored by Council Members Anita Bonds, David Grasso, Kenyan McDuffie,
and Charles Allen, to phase out the sale and operation of gas-powered leaf blowers in the District
of Columbia after an adequate period for current owners and retailers of such equipment to
amortize their inventories and transition to healthier and more environmentally-sustainable
alternatives; and
Serving Logan Circle, Thomas Circle, Old City, 8/agden Alley, Frank/In Square, and parts of Shaw and Downtown
Connect wi th us: www.ANC2F.org / www.facebook.com/ANC2F / www.twltter.com/ANC2F
April 19, 2018 ·
Page2
This resolution was adopted (4~3-l)°on Mar~h 7,.2018 by Advisory Neighborhood Collimission
2F at a duly called and properly noticed public meeting with a quorum (at least five
Commissioners) present and acting throughout.
GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD co~~~JON ·u~
GLOVER PARK AND CATHEDR.Ai HEIGHTS
***
Resolution Regarding the Leaf Blower Regulation Amendment Act (822-0234)
Whereas, the operation of gas-powered leaf blowers has been shown to contribute to serious
environmental and public health problems;
Whereas, among the risks to health and the environment from the operation of gas-powered leaf blowers
are the disturb~ce of topsoil and the dispersal into the atmosphere of particulate matter, including
herbicides and pesticides, spores, fungi, pollen, microbes, allergens, animal feces, and other fine particles
that can get into the lungs and into the bloodstream;
Whereas, it has been demonstrated that noise levels generated by most gas-powered leaf blowers
substantially exceed levels deemed to be safe for prolonged human exposure;
Whereas, among the populations most seriously threatened by the operation of gas-powered leaf blowers
are those individuals operating the equipment themselves, as well as others exposed to the noise and
pollution in close proximity, especiaily children, seniors, and others who already suffer from asthma and
other respiratory conditions;
Whereas, workers employed by lawn maintenance companies are frequently powerless to raise concerns
regarding the risks to their health from their daily operation of equipment that creates loud noise as well
as emissions of unhealthy chemicals and particulates, leaving them particularly vulnerable to hearing loss,
respiratory difficulties, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, neurological impairment, and cancer;
Whereas, the operation of gas-powered leaf blowers can create extreme disruption of daily life for those
nearby, degrading their quality of life and making it difficult to have normal conversations, conduct work,
get infants to sleep during the day, or take care of other needs, affecting many residents who spend days
at home, telecommute, perform child care or work at jobs in the neighborhood;
Whereas, existing laws in the District designed to limit the noise levels of leaf blowers have proven to be
difficult to enforce and ineffective in addressing these problems;
Whereas, alternatives exist for safe and effective leaf control and management, including quieter battery-
powered or electric leaf blowers, that do not generate the same harms to public health and the
environment as gas-powered leaf blowers;
Whereas, a number of other cities in the United States have moved to prohibit the operation of gas-
powered leaf blowers to protect their citizens from associated risks and improve their quality of life; and
Whereas, Council Bill B22-0234 has been introduced by Ward 3 Councilmember Mary Cheh to phase
out the sale and operation of gas-powered leaf blowers in the District of Columbia by 2022, to allow time
for current owners and sellers of such equipment to get value from the models they have already
purchased and transition to healthier and less environmentally damaging alternatives;
Therefore, be it resolved, that the Commission supports Bill B22-0234 and the urges the DC Council to
hold a hearing on it as soon as possible.
P.O. BOX 3231~ WASIDNGTON. D.C. 20007 WEBSITE: www.ANCJB.ORG EMAIL: INFO@ANC3B.ORO
bi,~
Brian Turman, Chairman Ann Lane Mladinov, Secretary
* * *
GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 3D
PO Box 40486, Palisades Station
Washington, DC 20016
The Wesley Heights residents concerned about the issue have taken the initiative to conduct
extensive research on uses of gas-powered leaf blowers nationwide and identified multiple
scientific studies documenting health hazards, including noise impacts, associated with the use of
these leaf blowers. They argued that the use of the gas powered leaf blowers poses a health risk
for the landscape workers that use the equipment as well as neighbors. They also pointed to
several cities across the U.S. that have adopted new restrictions on the use of gasoline-powered
leaf blowers and they sought ANC 3D's support for imposing similar restrictions in the District.
Specifically, they sought ANC 3D's support to request that you introduce legislation to address
the problems associated with the use of gas-powered leaf blowers.
Since the DC government promulgated regulations on the issue in the 1990's, a number of new
options and alternatives have materialized (such as gasoline options that move away from a two
stroke engine, as well as battery and electric leaf blowers) that can better protect the health and
safety of District residents and those who work in the District.
Consequently, at its properly-noticed public meeting on November 4, 2015, held at the Sibley
Hospital Medical Office Building, and with a quorum (5) present at all times, ANC 3D, voted 8-
1-0 to support the residents' call to request that you introduce legislation to address the issues
related to the use of gas-powered leaf blowers. The text of the resolution is attached.
We appreciate the efforts of neighbors to bring much-needed attention to this issue and we look
forward to working with the neighbors and your office on this important matter.
Sincerely,
Thomas M. Smith
Chair, ANC 30
2
Resolution On Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers
Whereas, the operation of gas-powered leaf blowers has been shown to contribute to serious
environmental and public-health problems, including emission of hydrocarbon pollutants into the
environment that greatly exceed levels produced by high-powered vehicles traveling many miles;
and
Whereas, among the risks to health and the environment from the operation of gas-powered leaf
blowers are the disturbance of topsoil and the dispersal into the atmosphere of fine-particulate
matter, including spores, fungi, pollen, microbes, and animal feces; and
Whereas, studies document that among the populations most seriously threatened by the
operation of gas-powered leaf blowers are those individuals operating the equipment themselves,
as well as those in near proximity to such operation; and
Whereas, the operation of gas-powered leaf blowers can create undue noise pollution
for residents (especially those who are home-bound, retired, disabled, engaged in child-care,
working at home, or telecommuting), and a degradation of the peaceful enjoyment of urban life;
and
Whereas, existing laws in our city that are designed to limit the noise levels and hours of
operation of leaf blowers have proven to be difficult to enforce and/or ineffective in addressing
the aforementioned problems; and
Whereas, alternatives exist for safe and effective leaf control and management (such as battery-
powered or electric leaf blowers) that do not generate the same harms to public health and the
environment as gas-powered leaf blowers; and
Whereas, a number of cities in the United States have now moved to prohibit the operation of
gas-powered leaf blowers, in order to protect their citizens and to advance their quality of life
and attractiveness;
Now, therefore, be it resolved, that ANC 30 requests Council Member Mary M. Cheh (Ward 3
representative on the DC Council, and Chair of the Council's Committee on Transportation and
the Environment) introduce legislation, including revisions to 20 DCMR, Section 2800, to
prohibit the use and operation of gas-powered leaf blowers, following the expiration of a so-
called "sunset" period.
3
***
= = ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 3E
TENLEYTOWN AMERICAN UNIVERSITY PARK FRIENDSHIP HEIGHTS
c/o Lisner-Louise-Dickson-Hurt Home 5425 Western Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20015
www .anc3e.org
WHEREAS:
1. Gas-powered leaf blowers with two-stroke engines emit pollutants that greatly exceed
levels produced by automobiles operating for the same period. For instance, a 2011 test by Edmunds
demonstrated that consumer-grade leaf blower emits more pollutants than a 6,200-pound 2011 Ford F-
150 SVT Raptor. . . [; Indeed,] 'the hydrocarbon emissions from a half-hour of yard work with the two-
stroke leaf blower are about the same as a 3,900-mile drive from Texas to Alaska in a Raptor. 1111
2. Noise levels generated by gas-powered leaf blowers often exceed the upper limits of
safe human exposure, as determined by federal healt h and workplace safety authorities.
3. The populations most seriously threatened by gas-powered leaf blowers include
individuals operating the equipment themselves, as well as those near such operation, especially
children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.
1 "Leaf Blower's Emissions Dirtier than High-Performance Pick-Up Truck's, Says Edmunds' lnsideLine.com," Dec. 6,
2011 at https://www.edmunds.com/about/press/leaf-blowers-emissions-dirtier-than-high-performance-pick-up-
trucks-says-edmunds-insidelinecom.html
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
1. ANC 3E respectfully asks Council Chair Mendelson, in his capacity as Chair of the
Council's Committee of the Whole, to which B22-0234 has been referred, to schedule a hearing on the
bill at the earliest practicable date, and be it further resolved,
2. ANC 3E respectfully asks the Council to enact B2200234 and Mayor Bowser to sign the
legislation.
The resolution passed by a vote of 4-1-0 at a properly noticed meeting held on March 15, 2018, at which
a quorum was present, with Commissioners Bender, Ehrhardt, Hall, McHugh, and Quinn in attendance.
ANC3E
.......... .
'°\""•'' ..,,... "'
Ito·_.•••
Jonatha L9' 1• 4 t .. -
, ............ 1 . . . . ..,
-...,.,, ....,,.,, . . ,,
n Bender ..,... ·"-•···
......... ~l ~
by Jonathan Bender
Chairperson
2
***
ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 4C
www.anc4c.ori: Phone: 202-723-6670 Email : 4C@anc.dq:ov
o urges Council Member Brandon Todd, our representative on the City Council, to support enactment of B22-0234; and
o requests the City Council to enact 822-0234, and Mayor Muriel Bowser to sign the legislation as enacted, at the
earliest practicable time.
March 6, 2018
SB Commissioners
Council of the District of Columbia
Gayle Hall Carley, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
ANC 5B01 Washington, DC 20004
Ursula Higgins,
ANC 5B02
ANC SB Resolution on Leaf Blowers
Henri Makembe,
ANC 5B03 Whereas, the operation of gas-fue·led leaf blowers has been shown to contribute
to se rious environmenta l and public-health prob lems, including emission of
Rayseen Woodland
pollutants into the environment that greatly exceed levels produced by
ANC 5B04
automobiles; and
John J. Feeley, Jr.
ANC 5805 Whereas, among the risks to hea lth and the environm ent from the ·operation of
gas-powered leaf blowers are the disturbance of topsoil and the dispersal into
the atmosphere by excessive wind force of herbicides, pesticides, spores, fungi,
SB Officers
pollen, microbes, allergens, animal feces, and microparticles that pass through
U rsu la Higgins the lungs and into the bloodstream; and
Cllai1person
Whereas, it has been demonstrated that noise levels generated by gas-burning
Gayle Hall Carley leaf blowers substantially exceed the upper limits of safe human exposure, as
Vice Cllairpersou determined by federal health and workplace safety authorities; and
Henri Makembe
Whereas, studies document that among the populations most seriously harmed
Treasurer
by the operation of gas-powered leaf blowers are persons operating such
John J. Feeley, Jr. equipment, as well.as those nearby, especially children, the elderly, and those
Secretmy with respiratory or cardiovascular health risks; and
Whereas, the District of Columbia has one of the highest rates of childhood
asthma in the United States, and gas-burning leaf blowers contribute to asthma;
and
Whereas, studies show t hat African-Americans tend to suffe r from high blood
pressure (hypertension) to a greater extent than other racial groups in our
country, and gas-fueled leaf blowers contribute to hypertension; and
Whereas, the operation of gas-powered leaf blowers can create undue noise
pollution for residents (especially those who are home-bound, retired, disabled,
engaged in child-care, working at home, or telecommuting), as well as students
in classroom settings, and contributes to a degradation of the peaceful
enjoyment of urban life; and
Whereas, existing laws in our city that are designed to limit the noise levels and
hours of operation of leaf blowers have proven to be difficult to enforce and
ineffective in addressing the aforementioned problems; and
Whereas, alternatives exist for safe and effective leaf management (such as
battery-powered or electric leaf blowers) that don't generate the same harms to
public health and the environmeryt as gas-fueled leaf blowers; and
Whereas, over 35 municipalities in the United States now prohibit the operation
of gas-burning leaf blowers, in order to protect their citizens and to advance their
quality of life and attractiveness; and
Wh.ereas, a bill (822-0234) has been introduced in the D.C. City Council by
Council Member Mary Cheh, co-sponsored by Council Members Anita Bonds,
David Grosso, Kenyan McDuffie, and Charles Allen, to phase out the sale and
operation of gas-powered leaf blowers in the District of Columbia by the end of
2021, allowing an adequate period for current owners and retailers of such
equipment to amortize their inventories and transition to healthier and more
environmentally-sustainable alternatives; ·
y Urges Council Chair Phil Mendelson, in his capacity as Chair of the Council's
Committee of the Whole, to which 822-0234 has been referred, to schedule a
hearing on the bill at the earliest practicable date; and
y Requests the City Council to enact 822-0234 promptly, and Mayor Muriel Bowser to
sign the legislation, as so enacted.
Commissioner Ursu'la
Chairperson
* * *l
WHEREAS, there is a wide consensus in the scientific community that human activity is a significant factor in
the dangerous increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere; and
WHEREAS, there is overwhelming scientific evidence that the increase in the concentration of greenhouse
gases in our atmosphere, chief among them carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide, all of which are
generated by the production and burning of fossil fuels like gasoline, are accelerating global climate change;
and
WHEREAS, global climate change is a very serious threat to life on our planet and that therefore, it is
incumbent on every global citizen to act responsibly, in ways large and small, to combat that threat; and
WHEREAS, the operation of gas-powered leaf blowers contiibutes to the emission of carbon dioxide and other
greenhouse gases into the atmosphere at levels, which for their relatively small size, is disproportionate to that
of more efficient motor vehicle engines; and
WHEREAS, the operation of gas-powered leaf blowers contributes to serious detrimental health effects by
emitting other pollutants, such as the highly toxic carbon monoxide, into the atmosphere at levels that greatly
exceed the levels produced by automobiles; and
WHEREAS, the Lung Association has estimated that a gas-powered leaf blower produces as much air
pollution as 17 cars; and
WHEREAS, studies document that among the populations most seriously threatened by the operation of gas-
powered leaf blowers are those individuals operating the equipment themselves, as well as those m near
proximity to such operation, especially children, the elderly and those with respiratory conditions; and
WHEREAS, workers employed by lawn maintenance companies are frequently powerless to raise concerns
regarding the danger to their health from their daily operation of equipment that contributes to hypertension,
cancer, heart disease, strokes, neurological impairment, and hearing loss; and
WHEREAS, the operation of gas-powered leaf blowers can create undue noise pollution for residents
(especially those who are homebound, retired, disabled, engaged in child-care, working from home or
telecommuting), and a degradation of the peaceful enjoyment of urban life; and
WHEREAS, it has been demonstrated that noise levels generated by the operation of gas-powered leaf blowers
substantially exceed levels determined to be at the upper limits of safe human exposure; and
WHEREAS, prolonged exposure to excessive noise has not only been associated with hearing loss, it has also
been shown to contribute to hypertension, heart disease, insomnia and sleep apnea, changes to the immune
system and even birth defects; and
SEO! Edwatd G•mett SE03 Hannah Powell. TttaSUrer SEOS SrudlcyThom:is, CW SE07 Bc1ths Holliday
<1~"'-.L'"'. .'l_I 0.'!!.""' <t•J:!!!. •1 11•.,- d: ""' :;J-l!l>.i!:'"' ik.J:!!!.
202·596-9027 202-54<).1586 202-670:01s l 202-491-3996
SE02 Potnco Wilh;um SE<» Sylvia M. Pinkney SE06 Katherine McClcllllnd. Corresponding Sccretaiy SEOS Horacio Siem SEIO Noncy Jones
:'\f 0_~!!_ JI~ J4.. £0\ :"l ~l~a~J~ ,<; 11)(1.!!_J ll<~~ Rccordina Secretary SI l0 11:11k.~\_.
202-709-9375 202-269-4180 6 12-408-5828 ~ I OS!!,.anc;~~' 202-S9'1-78SO
~ ·
~ Advisory Neighborhood Commission SE
www.anc5edc.org
WHEREAS, current District of Columbia laws intended to limit the noise levels and hours of operation of gas-
powered leaf blowers have proven to be difficult to enforce and/or ineffective in curtailing the environmental and
health hazards posed by the operation of those products; and
WHEREAS, there are alternatives, such as electric or battery powered blowers and vacuums, and traditional
manual rakes and brooms, that offer effective leaf control without the environmental and health hazards posed by
gas-powered leaf blowers; and
WHEREAS, a number of cities across the United States, including over 400 cities in the State of California alone,
have moved to ban or restrict the use of gas-powered leaf blowers; and
WHEREAS, Councilmember Mary Cheh has introduced before the D.C. Council the Leaf Blower Regulation
Amendment Act of 2017, enumerated as B22-0234, and co-sponsored by Councilmembers Bonds, Grosso,
McDuffie and Allen, which would ban the sale and use of gas-powered leaf blowers in the District of Columbia
by 2022, giving current owners and retailers of such equipment four years to amortize their inventories and
transition to healthier and more environmentally sustainable alternatives.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that AN CSE supports the passage of B22-0234, the Leaf Blower
Regulation Amendment Act of 2017 I..etit'<Dl~'4~~~@b$~ ~~~. by the Council of the
District of Columbia and urges the Mayor to sign the bill into law once it is so passed.
TIDS RESOLUTION came before ANCSE as its duly noticed Public Meeting held at Friendship-Armstrong
Public Charter School, on February 20, 2018. ANC 5E is comprised often (10) Commissioners the presence of
six (6) of which constitutes a quorum. On December 19, 2017, with_!!_ Commissioners present, by a vote of£
in favor,~ opposed, and with _Q_ abstentions, ANC SE voted to adopt this resolution.
HORACIO SIERRA
ANC5E Recording Secretary
5EOI Edward Game11 SEOJ l:!annah Powell T.......,... SE05 Bradley Thomas. Chair 5E07 Bertha Hollidoy 5E09 Dianne &mos, Vice Chair
<t Ol~dtlo:I" ~l·O;-it-11X dq;or. <LM.u"" 11<1'!" ~l <ll>~dc &m ~I n<> , ~ •l\p
202-596-9027 202-549-1586 202-67<Mll51 202-491-3996 202-409-7155
SE02 Patricia Williams 5E04 Sylvia M Pinkney SE06 Kalllcrino McClelland, Corresponding Secretary SEOS Horacio Sierra SE I0 Nancy Jones
~Lt 1tu,a~.1W\ 5Hl.lJUJJ~ dt 11!"' ~Hl".1!Jlnt de 'l"° Recording Secretary <f l<)41'nc ~c ll""
202-709-9375 202-269-4180 6 12-408-5828 ~l:O~~~ ll.~\ 202-594-7850
*** Government of the District of Columbia
March 16, 20 18
Cha irman Phil Mendelson
Committee of the Whole
D.C. Council
John A. Wilson Building
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite4 10
Washington, D.C. 20004
On March 14, 2018, at a regularly scheduled, duly noticed monthly meeting of Advisory
Neighborhood Commission 6C, with a quorum of s ix out of six commissioners and the public
present, the above-mentioned matter came before us. The commissioners voted unanimously,
6:0:0, to send you this letter of support.
The ANC 6C commissioners understand the need for this legislation due to the deleterious effects
of gas-powered leaf blowers: the noise factor, particularly the negative health impact on the ears
of people who use these gas-powered blowers; the wind speeds up to 150 mph, which can stir up
pollution, spores, and debris, and this is particularly bad for small children and pets; and the
potential for ozone damage.
Battery-powered blowers are less damaging to people and the environment. The initial, up-front
cost of these blowers is higher, but over time they are cost-effective. Please approve this
legislation.
Karen Wirt
ANC 6C chair
* * * ANC 6D
Southwest, Navy Yard & Buzzard Point
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6D
1101 Fourth Street, SW Resolution in Support of the Leaf Blower Regulation Amendment
Suite W 130
Washington, DC 20024 Act of 2017
202.554.1795
Email: office@anc6d .org
Website: www.anc6d .org Whereas, the operation of gas-powered leaf blowers generates noise levels that far exceed health
and safety standards and have been shown to contribute to serious environmental and public -
OFFICERS health problems, including emissions of pollutants into the environment that greatly exceed levels
Chainnan produced by automobiles; and
AndyLitsky
Vice Chainnan Whereas, studies document that among the populations most seriously threatened by the
Cara Shockley
operation of gas-powered leaf blowers are those operating the equipment themselves, as well as
Secretary
Gail Fast those in near proximity to such operation, especially children, the elderly, and those with
Treasurer respiratory conditions and;
Meredith Fascett
Whereas, the noise from leaf blowers can potentially damage a person's hearing, and produce
health concerns such as heart disease, hypertension, and an increased risk of heart attack; and
COMMISSIONERS
SMD 1 Gail Fast Whereas, the wind force from the leaf blowers disturbs topsoil and other materials lying below the
SMD 2 Cara Shockley leaf layer dispersing spores, fungi, pollen, and chemical residue from insecticides, rodenticides,
SMD 3 Ron Coffins
SMD 4 Andy Utsky herbicides and fungicides as well as other potential allergens and particles of animal feces into the
SMD 5 Roger Moffatt air; and
SMD 6 Rhonda Hamilton
SMD 7 Meredith Fascett
Whereas, cleaner and quieter cordless battery-powered leaf blowers are increasingly available and
are being used already by some landscaping companies and homeowners with effective results anc
at a competitive price; and
Whereas, a bill (B22-0234) has been introduced in the D.C. City Council by Council Member Mary
Cheh, co-sponso red by Council Members Anita Bonds, David Grasso, Kenyan McDuffie, and Charle~
Allen, to phase out the sale and operation of gas-powered leaf blowers in the District of Columbia
after an adequate period for current owners and retailers of such equipment to amortize their
inventories and transition to healthier and more environmentally-sustainable alternatives; and
Therefore, at a duly noticed meeting of ANC 6-D, held on December 11, 2017, at which a quorum
was present (a quorum being four Commissioners), and by a vote of 5-0-1, ANC-6D adds its name
to endorse the enactment of B22-0234; and urges the City Council to enact B22-0234, and Mayor
Muriel Bowser to sign the legislation as enacted, at the earliest practicable time.
Andy Litsky
Chairman, ANC 6-D
December 11, 2017
I•***
ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 7D
Government of the District of Columbia
Resolution in Support of the Leaf Blower Regulation
Amendment Act of 2017
Whereas, the operation of gas-powered leaf blowers has been shown to contribute to
serious environmental and public-health problems, including emission of pollutants
into the environment that greatly exceed levels produced by automobiles; and
Whereas, among the risks to health and the environment from the operation of gas-
powered leaf blowers are the disturbance of topsoil and the dispersal into the
atmosphere of fine-particulate matter, including herbicides and pesticides, spores, fungi,
pollen, microbes, allergens, animal feces, and micro-particles that pass through the
lungs and into the bloodstream; and
Whereas, it has been demonstrated that noise levels generated by gas-powered leaf
blowers substantially exceed levels deemed to be at the upper limits of safe human
exposure; and
Whereas, studies document that among the populations most seriously threatened by
the operation of gas-powered leaf blowers are those individuals operating the equipment
themselves, as well as those in near proximity to such operation, especially children, the
elderly, and those with respiratory conditions; and
Whereas, workers employed by lawn maintenance companies are frequently
powerless to raise concerns regarding the danger to their health from their daily
operation of equipment that contributes to hypertension, cancer, heart disease,
strokes, neurological Impairment, and hearing loss; and
Whereas, the operation of gas-powered leaf blowers can create undue noise pollution for
residents (especially those who are homebound, retired, disabled, engaged in child-care,
working at home, or telecommuting), and a degradation of the peaceful enjoyment of
urban life; and
Whereas, existing laws in our city that are designed to limit the noise levels and
hours of operation of leaf blowers have proven to be difficult to enforce and/or
ineffective in addressing the aforementioned problems; and
Whereas, alternatives exist for safe and effective leaf control and management
(such as battery-powered or electric leaf blowers) that do not generate the same
harms to public health and the environment as gas-powered leaf blowers; and
Whereas, a number of cities in the United States have now moved to prohibit the
operation of gas-powered leaf blowers, in order to protect their citizens and to
advance their quality of life and attractiveness; and
Whereas, a bill (822-0234) has been introduced in the D.C. City Council by Council
Member Mary Cheh, co-sponsored by Council Members Anita Bonds, David Grosso,
Kenyan McDuffie, and Charles Allen, to phase out the sale and operation of gas-
powered leaf blowers in the District ·of Columbia after an adequate period for current
owners and retailers of such equipment to amortize their inventories and transition to
healthier and more environmentally-sustainable alternatives;
ANC 70 Commission• 4058 Minnesota Avenue NE, Suite 1400 •Washington, DC 20019 •
.'
Now, therefore, be it resolved, that Advisory Neighborhood Commission 70 hereby:
o endorses the enactment of 822-0234;
o urges Council Member Vince Gray, our representative on the City Council, to
support enactment of 822-0234; and
o requests the City Council to enact 822-0234, and Mayor Muriel Bowser to sign
the legislation as enacted, at the earliest practicable time. ·
ANC 70 Commission • 4058 Minnesota Avenue NE, Suite 1400 •Washington, DC 20019 •
~C 6B
Capitol Hill I Southeast
9 21 Pennsylvania Avenue SE
Washingt on, DC 20003-214 1
6B@anc.dc.gov July 10, 2018
~(2_
SMD 06 Nick Burger
SM D 07 Kelly Waud
SMD 08 Chander Jayaraman
Daniel Ridge
SM D 09 Daniel Ridge
Chair, ANC 6B
SMD 10 Denise Krepp
ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 3C
* * * GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
CATHEDRAL HEIGHTS •CLEVELAND PARK
MASSACHUSETTS A VENUE HEIGHTS •MCLEAN GARDENS
WOODLAND-NORMANSTONE •WOODLEY PARK
Whereas, the operation of gas-powered leaf blowers generates noise levels that far exceed
health and safety standards and have been shown to contribute to serious environmental and
public health problems; and
Whereas, studies document that the population most seriously threatened by the operation of
gas-powered leaf blowers is the operators themselves, as well as those in near proximity to such
operation, especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions; and
Whereas, the noise from leaf blowers can potentially damage a person's hearing; and
Whereas, the wind force from the leaf blowers disturbs topsoil and other materials lying below
the leaf layer dispersing spores, fungi, pollen, and chemical residue from insecticides,
rodenticides, herbicides and fungicides as well as other potential allergens and particles of
animal feces into the air; and
Whereas, cleaner and quieter cordless battery-powered leaf blowers are increasingly available
and are being used already by some landscaping companies and homeowners with effective
results and at a competitive price; and
Whereas, a bill (B22-0234) has been introduced in the D.C. Council by Council Member Mary
Cheh, co-sponsored by Council Members Anita Bonds, David Grasso, Kenyan McDuffie, and
Charles Allen, to phase out the lawful operation of gas-powered leaf blowers in the District of
Columbia after an adequate period for current owners and retailers of such equipment to
amortize their inventories and transition to healthier and more environmentally-sustainable
alternatives; and
Whereas, the legislation would require any D.C. retailer who continues to sell gas-powered
mowers after January 1, 2020 to provide conspicuous notice to D.C. residents that it is not lawful
to operate the equipment in the District:
Theref9re, Be It Resolved that ANC 3C supports B22-0234 and urges the DC Council to enact it.
Be It Resolved that the Chair or her designee is authorized to represent the commission on this
matter.
Attested by
Nancy J. MacWood
Chair, on July 16, 2018
T,his resolution was approved by a voice vote on July 16, 2018 at a scheduled and noticed public meeting of ANC
3C at which a quorum (a minimum of 5 of 9 commissioners) was present.
-·
*WEARE
* *
WASMINGTON
Testimony of
Melinda Bolling
Director
Before the
July 2, 2018
Room412
2:00 pm
John A. Wilson Building
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20004
1
Good afternoon, Chairman Mendelson, Councilmembers, and staff. My name is Melinda
Bolling, and it'.s my honor to serve as the Director of Department of Consumer and Regulatory
I'm here to present the Executive's testimony on Bill 22-234, the "Leaf Blower
Regulation Amendment Act of 2017." While noise complaints are an issue that DCRA takes
seriously, as drafted the "Leaf Blower Regulation Amendment Act of 2017" poses several
implementation challenges.
We believe there are significant barriers to successful enforcement and that the proposal
may create unintended consequences based on the enforcement mechanisms in the Bill as
drafted. Regulating the use of gas-powered leaf blowers poses a real challenge due to the brief
length of time that leaf blowers are generally used. DCRA inspectors would not be able to
consistently arrive quickly enough to inspect a noise complaint about a leaf blower while the leaf
Under the enforcement regime proposed by this bill, a resident may hear the noise of a
leaf blower, and call 311, DCRA, or the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to complain. To
address this complaint, DCRA would need to send an inspector right away to the location of the
complaint. As you are aware, traveling across the District can take anywhere from 15 to 60
minutes. Given the average yard sizes in the District of Columbia and the tool's efficiency to
complete the task, the inspector would likely not arrive at the property in time to witness any
violation.
less restrictive leaf blower ordinance in 2017. In the period from April to October, the Newton
2
Police Department responded to 320 leaf blower complaints. According to local media, the leaf
blower ordinance was not being violated 75 percent of the times police responded to the 320 leaf
blower complaints. Newton Police Lt. Bruce Apotheker explained to reporters that the
Department did not "want to sacrifice public safety" and "didn't think that was the best use of
public resources."
While the Council's bill envisions DCRA, not MPD, as the enforcement authority,
Newton's experience points to the potential for the bill to drive an increase in call volume to
MPD and 311. This would place a strain on the District's resources, all due to a law that DCRA
· Finally, it is important to point out that Newton media reported frustrated landscaping
companies viewed the city's leaf blower ordinance as a deterrent to working in the city. The
landscaping and yard maintenance industry is a thriving sector in the District with few barriers to
entry. Frequent interactions with the DCRA inspectors could pose a perceived threat to many of
the workers in the industry. In addition, under the bill, District residents would have to purchase
new,_expensive equipment to properly maintain their yards. DCRA urges Council to take into
account the potential impacts on the landscaping industry and homeowners that could arise as a
For all of these reasons, the Executive believes the legislation requires significant
reworking to be successfully implemented and enforced. Thank you for providing me with the
opportunity to testify today. I am happy to answer any questions you may have.
3
1 COMPARATIVE PRINT DRAFT
2 Committee of the Whole
3 October 15, 2018
4
5
6
7 A BILL
8
9 _________
10
11
12 IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
13
14 __________________
15
16
17 To amend the District of Columbia Municipal RegulationsNoise Control Act of 1977 to prohibit
18 the sale and use of gasoline-powered leaf blowers in the District of Columbia byon or
19 after January 1, 2022.
20
21 BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
22 act may be cited as the “Leaf Blower Regulation Amendment Act of 2017”.
23 Sec. 2. Section 5(d)(6) of the District of Columbia Noise Control Act of 1977, effective
24 March 16, 1978 (D.C. Law 2-53; 20 DCMR § 2808), is amended as follows:
29 effective January 1, 2022, no person shall sell, offer for sale, or use, at any time, a gasoline-
1
34 “(ii) A person who sells, at retail, a gasoline-powered leaf blower
35 in the District of Columbia on or after January 1, 2022, must provide conspicuous notice to the
36 consumer that the leaf blower may not be used in the District of Columbia.”.
37 (c) Subparagraph (D) (20 DCMR § 2808.4) is amended by striking the phrase “In
38 addition to any other enforcement measure authorized under this act, the Mayor” and inserting
45 issuing a notice of civil infraction pursuant to the Department of Consumer and Regulatory
46 Affairs Civil Infractions Act of 1985, effective October 5, 1985 (D.C. Law 6-42, D.C. Code §6-
49 imposed as alternative sanctions for any infraction of this paragraph pursuant to titles I-III of the
50 Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs Civil Infractions Act. Adjudication of any
51 infraction of this paragraph shall be pursuant to titles I-III of the Civil Infractions Act.”.1985,
52 effective October 5, 1985 (D.C. Law 6-42; D.C. Code § -2-1801.01 et seq.).
53
55 “(G)(i) Any person may file a complaint alleging usage of a gas-powered leaf
2
57 “(ii) A complaint under sub-subparagraph (i) of this subparagraph shall be
58 submitted in written form prescribed by the Mayor and made available on the District of
59 Columbia website. The complaint shall be submitted no later than one week following the
60 occurrence of the alleged violation and shall be signed by an original complainant who shall
61 attest to its accuracy, under penalty of perjury. The complaint shall include:
69 be valid.
71 appear and give testimony at any administrative hearing or administrative review of the
72 complaint, or any other judicial or quasi-judicial action that may result from the complaint.
73 “(v) If the Mayor deems that the complaint has merit, the Mayor shall file
74 a Notice of Infraction and proceed pursuant to the Department of Consumer and Regulatory
75 Affairs Civil Infractions Act of 1985, effective October 5, 1985 (D.C. Law 6-42; D.C. Official
77 The Mayor shall provide a copy of the Notice of Infraction to the Office of Administrative
78 Hearings.
3
80 “(H) Section 13(A) shall not apply to the use of leaf blowers on federal
83 The Council adopts the fiscal impact statement in the committee report as the fiscal
84 impact statement required by section 602(c)(3) of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act,
85 approved December 24, 1973 (87 Stat. 813; D.C. Official Code § 1-206.02(c)(3)).
87 This act shall take effect following approval by the Mayor (or in the event of veto by the
88 Mayor, action by the Council to override the veto), a 30-day period of congressional review as
89 provided in section 602(c)(1) of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, approved December
90 24, 1973 (87 Stat. 813; D.C. Official Code § 1-206.02(c)(1)), and publication in the District of
91 Columbia Register.
4
1 COMMITTEE PRINT DRAFT
2 Committee of the Whole
3 October 15, 2018
4
5
6
7
8
9
10 A BILL
11
12 _________
13
14
15 IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
16
17 __________________
18
19
20 To amend the District of Columbia Noise Control Act of 1977 to prohibit the sale and use of
21 gasoline-powered leaf blowers in the District of Columbia on or after January 1, 2022.
22
23 BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
24 act may be cited as the “Leaf Blower Regulation Amendment Act of 2017”.
25 Sec. 2. Section 5(d)(6) of the District of Columbia Noise Control Act of 1977, effective
26 March 16, 1978 (D.C. Law 2-53; 20 DCMR § 2808), is amended as follows:
31 effective January 1, 2022, no person shall sell, offer for sale, or use a gasoline-powered leaf
1
36 “(ii) A person who sells, at retail, a gasoline-powered leaf blower
37 in the District of Columbia on or after January 1, 2022, must provide conspicuous notice to the
38 consumer that the leaf blower may not be used in the District of Columbia.”.
39 (c) Subparagraph (D) (20 DCMR § 2808.4) is amended by striking the phrase “In
40 addition to any other enforcement measure authorized under this act, the Mayor” and inserting
45 penalties, and fees may be imposed as alternative sanctions for any infraction of this paragraph
46 pursuant to titles I-III of the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs Civil Infractions
47 Act of 1985, effective October 5, 1985 (D.C. Law 6-42; D.C. Code § -2-1801.01 et seq.).
49 “(G)(i) Any person may file a complaint alleging usage of a gas-powered leaf
52 submitted in written form prescribed by the Mayor and made available on the District of
53 Columbia website. The complaint shall be submitted no later than one week following the
54 occurrence of the alleged violation and shall be signed by an original complainant who shall
55 attest to its accuracy, under penalty of perjury. The complaint shall include:
2
60 “(4) Any additional identifying information regarding the user of
63 be valid.
65 appear and give testimony at any administrative hearing or administrative review of the
66 complaint, or any other judicial or quasi-judicial action that may result from the complaint.
67 “(v) If the Mayor deems that the complaint has merit, the Mayor shall file
68 a Notice of Infraction and proceed pursuant to the Department of Consumer and Regulatory
69 Affairs Civil Infractions Act of 1985, effective October 5, 1985 (D.C. Law 6-42; D.C. Official
71 The Mayor shall provide a copy of the Notice of Infraction to the Office of Administrative
72 Hearings.
74 “(H) Section 13(A) shall not apply to the use of leaf blowers on federal
77 The Council adopts the fiscal impact statement in the committee report as the fiscal
78 impact statement required by section 602(c)(3) of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act,
79 approved December 24, 1973 (87 Stat. 813; D.C. Official Code § 1-206.02(c)(3)).
81 This act shall take effect following approval by the Mayor (or in the event of veto by the
82 Mayor, action by the Council to override the veto), a 30-day period of congressional review as
83 provided in section 602(c)(1) of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, approved December
3
84 24, 1973 (87 Stat. 813; D.C. Official Code § 1-206.02(c)(1)), and publication in the District of
85 Columbia Register.