Supervisors Seek To Phase Out Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers In Fairfax Facilities

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — As the leaves change and fall in our area, the soundtrack of the season is the noise of leaf blowers. Fairfax County supervisors are seeking to phase out gas-powered leaf blowers for county facility use due to the noise and pollution they create.

On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors voted 9-1 for a joint measure to phase out gas-powered leaf blowers and switch to electric leaf blowers. County staff are directed to prepare a plan to discontinue purchases of gas-powered leaf blowers and update procurement processes to incentivize electric leaf blower and landscaping equipment use by the county and contractors.

The measure was introduced by Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw, Chairman Jeff McKay, Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn, and Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck.

Walkinshaw issued a statement highlighting the noise levels and hydrocarbons contributing to ozone that gas-powered equipment creates. A gas-powered leaf blower can create more pollutants than a Ford F-150 truck, according to a study by automotive resource Edmunds. In addition, the noise levels of 102 to 115 decibels are above the level that can cause hearing damage. According to the CDC, prolonged exposure to noise above 70 decibels can damage hearing, while noise above 120 decibels can cause immediate ear damage.

"I'm thrilled that Fairfax County is moving forward to create a cleaner and quieter community by phasing out our use of gas-powered leaf blowers," stated Walkinshaw. "By taking an incentive-based approach to our procurement policies, we can jumpstart the transition from dirty and noisy gas-powered blowers. This initiative sends a strong signal to landscaping contractors that now is the time to invest in cleaner equipment."