Sierra Club Connecticut Statement on State Senate Passage of S.B. 319

HARTFORD, Conn. - The Connecticut Senate has passed S.B. 319, An Act Concerning the Use of Battery-Powered Leaf Blowers and Similar Equipment by the State and Municipalities .

In response, Sierra Club Connecticut Organizer Julianna Larue released the following statement:

"With half of Connecticut's counties receiving failing air quality grades and communities already facing the impacts of climate change, this bill is a critical step toward cleaner air.

Gas-powered leaf blowers emit harmful pollutants, including carcinogens and fine particulate matter, that contribute to smog and respiratory illness. Transitioning to battery-powered equipment will reduce these emissions and improve public health.

S.B. 319 also makes this transition more accessible by reactivating the lawn equipment exchange fund for municipalities and creating financing opportunities for commercial landscapers through the Connecticut Green Bank.

We commend Rick Lopes for his leadership and urge the House to pass this bill without delay."