Connecticut would ban gas leaf blower sales and use

People would be barred from selling, offering for sale, or using gas-powered handheld and backpack leaf blowers starting on separate dates. The bans would apply to anyone in Connecticut, including residents and commercial landscapers. The statewide bans state no exceptions. The sections would take effect October 1, 2026. The sale ban would apply on and after January 1, 2029, and the use ban on and after September 1, 2030.

Three state departments would acquire electric equipment for agencies and require contractors bidding on state maintenance or landscaping work to use it. The Departments of Administrative Services, Energy and Environmental Protection, and Transportation would cover handheld or push mowers, leaf blowers, and lawn trimmers. Agency replacements would serve state-owned property. Both requirements would depend on available state funding. Commissioners could allow exceptions to purchases, leases, and acquisitions when finances or agency operations depend on specific equipment, including emergency work, land management, and public safety. Replacement would start on September 1, 2027, when existing gas equipment reaches the end of its useful life. Bid requirements would start on September 1, 2029.

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection would reactivate the 2010 Lawn Equipment Exchange Fund and hold equipment demonstrations. The fund would serve municipalities and regional schools. Demonstrations would serve state and municipal agencies. Demonstrations would cover safe charging and storage upgrades, shared practices, and help with municipal buy-back programs for residents and commercial lawn care companies. The section would take effect October 1, 2026. Demonstrations would be required during calendar years 2026 through 2030, inclusive.

The Connecticut Green Bank would develop loans for buying or leasing battery-powered lawn equipment. The loans would be tailored to commercial landscapers registered in Connecticut. The Green Bank would use its existing legal powers, access to money, and lending partnerships. The section would take effect October 1, 2026.

Money collected through an electric-bill charge would help fund the switch to electric lawn and garden equipment. The systems benefits charge is a charge collected from all customers of electric distribution companies. The provision states no funding amount or increase in the charge. The section would take effect October 1, 2026. This funding use would cover calendar years 2026 through 2030, inclusive.