CORREA PROPOSES TAX CREDIT FOR ZERO-EMISSION LANDSCAPING EQUIPMENT

Bill would establish tax credit supporting businesses' efforts to address community needs

WASHINGTON - TODAY, Representative Lou Correa (CA-46) re-introduced the Promoting Reduction of Emissions through Landscaping Act, legislation that would create a federal tax credit enabling local businesses-including landscaping and lawn care businesses of all sizes-to more easily transition to zero-emission equipment. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM) joined Rep. Correa's effort by introducing companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.

"As our economy shifts towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, we can't let small businesses fall behind, especially when they provide services that our communities depend on," Rep. Correa said. "This bill will help businesses that rely on gas- and diesel-powered equipment transition into leaders in the green economy, which would benefit consumers and workers, create a more innovative market, and ultimately save money."

Specifically, the Promoting Reduction of Emissions through Landscaping Equipment Act would:

• Amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to establish a tax credit for local companies, including landscaping and lawn care businesses on new or retrofitting of equipment.
• Provide a 40% tax credit on the purchase of zero-emission equipment, such as mowers, leaf blowers, hedgers, generators, and accessories up to $25,000 every year and up to $100,000 over the course of 10 consecutive years.
• Reduce harmful emissions and noise pollution, improve conditions for workers and wildlife, and save businesses money with reduced maintenance and fuel costs.

"Small businesses are the backbone of New Mexico's economy. And they're getting hit hard by Trump's tariffs and skyrocketing costs," said Heinrich, Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. "I'm proud to reintroduce this legislation to ease the financial burden on small businesses through a tax cut to purchase new zero-emission equipment. This will help New Mexico small businesses protect workers' health, reduce pollution in our communities, and grow local economies."

Representatives Kathy Castor (FL-14), Sharice L. Davids (KS-03), Betty McCollum (MN-4), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large), and Rashida Tlaib (MI-12) joined as co-sponsors to Rep. Correa's bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Organizations endorsing the legislation include the National Association of Landscape Professionals, Sierra Club, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, Earthjustice Action, American Lung Association, American Green Zone Alliance, EDF Action, California Golf Course Owners Association, California Alliance for Golf, NorCal Sports Field Management Association, Southern California Golf Association, QuietGeorgia. See the full list of endorsements HERE.

"Beautifying our landscapes should never come at the expense of the workers who care for them or the climate we all depend on. Yet much of the equipment used to maintain our lawns and gardens still runs on polluting engines that emit harmful air pollution, contributing to climate change and putting landscape workers at risk through repeated on-the-job exposure," said Xavier Boatright, Deputy Legislative Director of Clean Energy and Electrification at The Sierra Club. "This tax credit helps level the playing field by making clean, non-polluting equipment more affordable and accessible for small businesses. By lowering upfront costs, we can protect workers' health, reduce emissions, and ensure everyone can enjoy beautiful outdoor spaces without the hidden price of pollution."

"A zero-emission future is urgently needed to improve air quality and protect health. Small off-road engines, including lawn and landscaping equipment, are highly polluting and put communities at risk," said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. "Pollution impacts everyone's health, but it is particularly dangerous for those who spend time outdoors like children or the outdoor workers operating the equipment. Incentivizing the transition to zero-emission equipment will make progress toward improving air quality and protecting the health of workers and communities across the country."

"By incentivizing small businesses to move to quieter, zero-emission lawnmowers, leaf blowers and other small machinery, we can make running small businesses more affordable while reducing pollution. This legislation from Sen. Heinrich and Rep. Correa will help protect the health of landscaping workers, homeowners and tenants by reducing harmful pollution from lawn equipment while lowering maintenance and fuel costs," said Joanna Slaney, Vice President for Political and Government Affairs, Environmental Defense Fund.

"I'd like to thank Congressman Correa and Senator Heinrich for introducing the Promoting Reduction of Emissions through Landscaping Equipment Act. This legislation provides a voluntary incentive for golf course superintendents who wish to either purchase zero-emission landscape equipment or upgrade their existing equipment," said Rhett Evans, CEO Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.

"Landscaping equipment emits dangerous pollutants that can harm the health of workers and nearby residents," said Earthjustice Action Senior Legislative Representative Anne Clement. "Providing landscaping businesses with a tax credit to help them quickly and affordably transition to zero-emission equipment protects both workers and communities from toxic fumes and pollutants. We thank Representative Correa and Senator Heinrich for reintroducing legislation to incentivize businesses to adopt clean technologies, safeguarding our air, public health, and climate."

"This bill, which would help landscape companies offset some of the cost of transitioning from gas to zero-emission equipment, is an important model for legislation supporting the business community while also protecting the environment," said Britt Wood, CEO of the National Association of Landscape Professionals. "We applaud Sen. Heinrich and Rep. Correa for their leadership on this important issue."

Dan Mabe, CEO, President American Green Zone Alliance (AGZA) said, "This legislation also aligns directly with AGZA's mission to empower communities and industry professionals with the tools, training, and incentives needed to create healthier, more resilient public spaces. The bill's emphasis on zero-emission equipment will help protect the health of landscape workers, reduce community noise exposure, and address the disproportionate environmental burdens faced by many front-line neighborhoods where landscape maintenance is intensive."

"On behalf of the nearly 28 million people in the United States with asthma, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) is pleased to support the Promoting Reduction of Emissions through Landscaping Equipment Act," said Kenneth Mendez, President and CEO of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. "Gasoline-powered landscaping equipment is a significant source of localized air pollution from the fine particulate matter and toxic and carcinogenic exhaust produced by the equipment. Exposure to this kind of air pollution is a risk factor for both developing and exacerbating asthma. Nine to eleven people die every day from asthma, and it is important we do everything we can through legislation like this to reduce asthma attacks and deaths from asthma."

The bill text is HERE.
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