It has been reported that California has enacted a law that prohibits the sale of gas-powered leaf blowers and lawn mowers. The law is AB 1346. In order to comply with the law, you may need to consider a solar energy system as a cleaner, less costly alternative.
AB 1346
The California legislature passed AB 1346, a law to phase out small off-road gas generators. It’s a part of a larger effort to reduce emissions from gas-powered engines.
According to AB 1346, the sale of new gas-powered lawn equipment and generators is banned starting in 2024. This new law is intended to curb greenhouse gas emissions.
This new law is a part of California’s initiative to transition to 100% clean energy by 2045. With the help of a $30 million grant, the bill will allow for small businesses to make the switch to cleaner, zero-emission equipment.
Small off-road gas generators are the engines found in most garden and lawn equipment. They include trimmers, mowers, and leaf blowers. AB 1346 also includes portable gas-powered generators that are under 25 horsepower.
As part of AB 1346, a state board is required to propose reasonable regulations for the use of these portable gas-powered engines. Until July of 2022, new gas-powered portable generators will be grandfathered in.
This new law is expected to have a positive effect on the environment and public health. During the summer months, California suffers from smog, which can damage the respiratory system and cause asthma. Smog is a dangerous condition for both humans and animals.
Many people rely on generators as a backup power source when faced with blackouts. In some areas, a generator is necessary to power medical devices or to shut down the power grid.
Law banning sale of new gas-powered leaf blowers and lawn mowers
The California legislature passed a bill that bans the sale of new gas-powered lawn mowers and leaf blowers. The law aims to reduce pollution by eliminating engine exhaust emissions.
The new law, which goes into effect in 2024, is a step toward the state’s goal of phasing out gas-powered vehicles by 2035. Gas-powered leaf blowers, which emit as much smog-forming pollution as a light-duty car, are a major source of air pollution in California.
While the state has not yet officially banned gas-powered lawn care equipment, there are several cities in California and Colorado that have already done so. Additionally, other states like Texas and New York are considering such bans.
The California Air Resources Board, an agency of the state, will regulate gas-powered leaf blowers, along with other small off-road engines, including generators and pressure washers. The board will offer rebates for owners who convert to zero-emission alternatives.
Gas-powered lawn mowers and leaf blowers are often cited as sources of noise complaints. They can interfere with conference calls, and the emissions they produce aren’t terribly pleasant.
Luckily, newer, quieter electric SOREs are becoming more widely available. For landscapers and property owners, the cost of transitioning to electric tools is a major consideration. Currently, the cost of a zero-emission lawn mower is nearly double that of a gas-powered model, according to Andrew Bray, vice president of government relations for the National Association of Landscape Professionals.
Off-grid solar system as a clean, cost-effective alternative to gas generators
If you are considering putting solar panels on your roof, you may want to think about installing an off-grid solar system instead. Solar power is a clean, affordable and reliable energy source. However, an off-grid solar system requires careful design and installation. A professional installer can put together a load table to determine the best solar array for your home.
One key component of an off-grid solar system is the main battery inverter-charger. Most off-grid inverter-chargers offer sensors that enable precise charging under all conditions. Larger off-grid systems may use DC-coupled or AC-coupled inverters. In addition to a battery inverter-charger, an off-grid system may also include a backup generator.
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is preparing to overhaul its solar incentive program. It is working to make rooftop solar more affordable and encourage consumers to add solar battery storage. This new proposal is likely to be approved as early as January.
Under the CPUC’s proposed change to the incentive program, non-solar customers would pay more for their electricity. The avoided cost rate would be five cents per kilowatt-hour, which is lower than the retail rate. But the “market transition credit” would be available for four years.
The Sierra Club, the Environmental Working Group and others say the new policy could raise the costs of running panels on homes and small businesses. They also argue the CPUC’s equations don’t take into account the benefits of having solar panels.
