LOWER MERION — Lower Merion officials are reminding residents that a new gas-powered leaf blower ordinance is going into effect this year.
Meanwhile, Radnor officials are planning town halls on the pros and cons of adopting a similar ordinance.
In Lower Merion, beginning later this year, the use of gas-powered leaf blowers will be prohibited from June 1 to Oct. 1.
In 2027, gas-powered leaf blowers will be prohibited from Jan. 1 to April 1 and then again from June 1 to Oct. 1.
In the winter, spring, and summer of 2028, the gas-powered leaf blowers will be prohibited from Jan. 1 to Oct. 1.
Finally, beginning Jan. 1, 2029 and every year after that, gas-powered leaf blowers will be totally prohibited in Lower Merion.
Lower Merion Board commissioners passed its ordinance that will fully ban gas-powered leaf blowers on Nov. 19, 2025.
“Gas-powered leaf blowers create air pollution and noise pollution, contribute to climate change through the release of greenhouse gas emissions, and impair the health, social welfare, peace, and quality of life of persons residing and working in Lower Merion Township,” according to one section of the new ordinance. “The practice of blowing leaves and other debris for property maintenance has unintended environmental and health consequences. The blowing of leaves, dust, and debris causes fine particulate emissions and disruption to pollinator habitats. Exposure to fine particulate matter may impact workers using this equipment, individuals with respiratory conditions, children, and other vulnerable populations. Accordingly, the purpose of this ordinance is to reduce the adverse impact of such equipment.”
In Radnor, town halls have been scheduled for April 7 and April 23 at the township administration building, 301 Iven Ave.
In Early March, Daniel Burnham, chairman of the Radnor Environmental Advisory Council, presented information on the pros and cons of Radnor creating an ordinance to prohibit gas-powered leaf blowers.
“There has been a longstanding decades-long concern about the extreme air pollution and noise caused by gasoline-powered leaf blowers,” Burnham said as part of his presentation. “And this concern has resulted in restrictions and total bans on the use of these machines across the country in the past several years.”
Burnham went on to mention several examples of New Jersey towns that have placed restrictions on gas-powered leaf blowers.
“And I’m pleased to announce Lower Merion Township in our state is the first in Pennsylvania to pass a phased-in ban on gasoline leaf blowers,” Burnham said.
According to Burnham, the township’s consideration stems from the Radnor 2035 goals outlined in the recently approved Radnor Township comprehensive plan. Amongst the goals are that the township will work to reduce pollutants, including but not limited to air, water, sound, and light pollution.
“So based on this premise, the EAC proposes that gasoline-powered leaf blowers be banned in the township because the air pollution and noise they generate are a particularly serious threat to the health and peace of our community and the environment,” Burnham said.