San Carlos residents value clean air, healthy neighborhoods and real progress on climate goals. Nearly 250 neighbors have signed a petition urging our City Council to phase out gas-powered leaf blowers and move to cleaner, quieter electric alternatives: change.org/Leaf-Blower-Ban.
That is why the council’s recent decision to dismiss the issue without even a study session was so disappointing. This was not a vote on a ban — it was only a chance for staff to review nearby models, research costs and present options. Instead, residents are left wondering why San Carlos cannot follow the lead of San Mateo, Menlo Park, Burlingame and Millbrae, which are already making progress.
Gas blowers directly conflict with our Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Plan, which calls for a shift to electricity and clean-fuel landscaping equipment. Our Noise Control ordinance calls us to adjust our standards “as quieter equipment becomes available.” And with California banning the sale of gas blowers last year, San Carlos should do its part.
Other cities show the path: rebates to ease transition, education before penalties and fair enforcement. Menlo Park reports cleaner air, quieter neighborhoods and fewer complaints.
Gas blowers harm lungs, damage hearing and degrade quality of life. They accelerate climate pollution and put us behind on commitments already made. At minimum, residents deserve a fair study and honest debate.
San Carlos should lead — not lag — on clean air, peaceful neighborhoods, and responsible climate action. We urge our council to reconsider.
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