Fine proposes bill to stop sale and use of gas-powered leaf blowers

Illinois Senator Laura Fine (D-9th district) has filed Senate Bill 3313 which states, “a person may not operate or sell at retail a gas-powered leaf blower in the State. It provides that a person who violates the amendatory Act’s provisions shall be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $500.”

The bill states that gas-powered leaf blowers are detrimental to the health of the citizens of the State of Illinois and the quality of the environment because they emit exceedingly high rates of pollutants, including carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides and hydrocarbons. It also states that they generate noise at a decibel level capable of causing hearing loss in a short amount of time. 

If signed into law, the use or sale of a gas-powered leaf blower would be illegal in the state of Illinois as of Jan. 1, 2022.