Millburn Environmental Commission advocates for bill to ban gas leaf blowers amid health concerns

The New Jersey Assembly is taking significant steps toward reducing the environmental impact of gas leaf blowers, with Assembly Bill 2319 gaining strong support from local environmental groups and landscaping professionals. During a recent meeting of the Assembly Environment, Natural Resources, and Solid Waste Committee, advocates highlighted the urgent need for change, citing the harmful effects of gas-powered equipment on both health and the environment.

The Millburn Environmental Commission, represented by a local advocate, emphasized that Assembly Bill 2319 would not only benefit Millburn but also set a precedent for towns across New Jersey. The New Jersey chapter of the Sierra Club has expressed its unanimous support for the bill, underscoring its potential to mitigate noise pollution and reduce harmful emissions.

A pivotal meeting held in Millburn earlier this year brought together landscapers to discuss the challenges they face with gas leaf blowers. The initial costs of transitioning to battery-operated alternatives were identified as a significant barrier. However, the New Jersey Landscape Contractor Association has voiced its full backing for the bill, recognizing the long-term benefits it would provide for both the environment and the landscaping industry.

The health implications of gas leaf blowers were a central theme of the discussion. Experts noted that these machines are linked to various health issues, including cardiovascular problems and psychological distress, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as children, seniors, and individuals with hearing or neurological disorders. One resident shared her struggles with the noise pollution from a neighbor's gas leaf blower, illustrating the real-life impact of this issue on community members.

Furthermore, a striking comparison highlighted the environmental damage caused by gas leaf blowers: operating one for just 30 minutes produces more pollution than driving a pickup truck from Trenton to Juneau, Alaska—a distance of over 3,800 miles. This stark statistic reinforces the urgent need for legislative action to curb the use of these harmful machines.

As the Assembly moves forward with discussions on Assembly Bill 2319, the implications for public health and environmental sustainability are clear. The bill represents a crucial step toward cleaner air and quieter neighborhoods, promising a healthier future for all New Jersey residents.