New York is creating a rebate program for electric lawn mowers, leaf blowers and other landscaping equipment, but most homeowners won't qualify.
Who qualifies for New York's electric lawn equipment rebate?
The rebate program only applies to commercial landscapers, governments and schools, but the impacts of greater electric lawn equipment adoption should benefit all state residents. Electric law equipment reduces greenhouse gas emissions, improves air quality and reduces noise pollution compared to gas equipment. The rebates are offered at point of sale and will come from an annual pool of state funding on a first-come, first-served basis.
How much is the rebate?
How much will the rebate be? That hasn't been determined yet. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, or NYSERDA, will set the rebate amounts and overall
program funding.
What lawn equipment qualifies?
Eligible equipment includes new battery-powered lawn mowers, leaf blowers, leaf vacuums, chainsaws and snow blowers, along with related batteries and chargers.
“Making it easier for businesses, state agencies and local governments to purchase electric landscaping equipment will lower greenhouse gas emissions, help create quieter communities and reduce harmful air pollution across the state — especially for the landscapers who use this equipment every day,” said Julie Tighe, New York League of Conservation Voters president, in a statement.
Of special concern are gas-powered leaf blowers, which can produce as much smog-forming emissions as driving a car 1,100 miles in just an hour of use. The Environment America Research & Policy Center estimates gas-powered lawn equipment in New York produced 1.4 million tons of climate pollution in 2020, equivalent to the pollution from more than 300,000 cars annually.
As for noise, gas-powered leaf blowers are 22 decibels louder than battery-powered equipment at distances of 100 to 400 feet, according to a 2018 report in the Journal of Environmental and Toxicological Studies.
“This bill is a win for public health,” said Dr. Bonnie Sager, co-founder of the nonprofit group Quiet Clean Alliance, in a statement. “It will accelerate the transition to quieter, cleaner, and safer land care. We will all benefit from less noise pollution, and our children will breathe cleaner air in their neighborhoods and public spaces.”
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: New York has a new lawn equipment rebate. Who qualifies?
