Portland's city council has laid down the law on noise pollution, voting to put gas-powered leaf blowers on the chopping block by 2028, in a move heralded by environmental advocates and dreaded by some small business owners. The new ordinance kicks in with a partial ban starting in 2026, limiting the use of these noisy yard work staples during the fall and winter months only and then going full throttle, banning them completely two years later, as reported by Multnomah County News.
The crackdown on the two-stroke engine blowers isn't just about the racket they make but the shocking volume of pollutants they spew into the air—equivalent to a Toyota Camry trekking from Portland to San Diego in just an hour's operation, a dangerous cocktail including carcinogens, carbon monoxide, and ozone to list just a few; dangers that prompted Multnomah County to step up, announcing plans to cushion the financial hit for local landscapers transitioning to cleaner tech. However, those thumbing their noses at the rules could find themselves coughing up to a $1,000 fine, a none-too-gentle reminder of the city's commitment to curbing emissions and decibels alike.
In a showing of support for the initiative, Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson loudest advocates, testified in favor of the legislation, hailing it as "an important milestone in the quest for a healthier and more sustainable community," remarks Chair Vega Pederson relayed to Multnomah County News. The County's incentive program aims to soften the blow for small-time landscapers through financial aid, particularly for those with limited English proficiency, as emphasized by Multnomah County Sustainability Director John Wasiutynski.
The story of Portland's gas blower phase-out begins back in 2019, a joint effort between Chair Vega Pederson and the late Commissioner Nick Fish; although the project hit the brakes during the pandemic, Commissioner Carmen Rubio picked up where it left off, pushing forward in the war against these gas guzzlers, as time marches on, Multnomah County plans to inform and financially assist those small businesses most affected by the change, these programs expected to roll out later this year in July, guaranteeing a smoother transition into an electric decarbonized future, as Chair Vega Pederson emphasized, "the technology for an all electric decarbonized future is available now" yet underscored the need for policies and partnerships to "accelerate the transition and ensure we hit our climate targets in time to avoid the worst impacts of climate change."
