DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. — PennEnvironment Research and Policy Center’s newest report says gas-powered lawn and garden equipment can produce more air pollution than traditional vehicles.
The report also explores how those pieces of equipment can negatively impact the environment as well as your health.
Researchers began gathering data in 2020 and published the results in October 2023. The report ranks Pennsylvania fourth in the nation for fine-particulate pollution emissions released by gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.
The report calculated that more than 1 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions were released by the same tools.
“These gas-powered pieces of lawn equipment also release volatile organic compounds, VOCs, nitrogen oxide or NOx, which form ozone or smog, which is another thing that pollutes our air and makes it harder for people to breathe,” said Flora Cardoni, the field director of PennEnvironment.
The report found gas-powered lawn and garden equipment to be more harmful to the environment than most vehicles.
“Using a commercial leaf blower is even more polluting in emitting a small forming pollution as driving 1,100 miles in a car,” cited State Senator Darisha Parker (D) District 198, Philadelphia County.
Cardoni says transitioning to electric power equipment can decrease the amount of air pollution released.
“Talking about the huge amount of air pollution and climate pollution is just another reason people should make the switch. And the good news is cleaner and quitter technology exists today,” Cardoni said.
Transitioning to electric power may be initially expensive but can help people save money down the road.
“Because you’re not paying for fuel or maintenance costs over one year, two years, three years, you make up that cost difference and end up saving even more money,” Cardoni explained.
Lawmakers like State Senator Melissa Shusterman (D), District 157, Chester County, are expected to use data from the report to effort future legislation. She introduced a memo earlier this year to assemble a zero-emission task force but has not introduced it to the House as an official bill.
“We hope to establish incentive programs for residents and businesses to transition to battery-powered alternatives,” Senator Shusterman said.