Colorado seems to be following California's footsteps as it is now considering banning noisy, gas-powered lawnmowers and leaf blowers as of 2025.
Colorado Takes It a Step Further
Colorado will also ban government and commercial use as well as sales of gas-powered lawnmowers and leaf blowers.
These equipment are big polluters because they run on two-stroke engines. This means the engines are smaller and cheaper and are more polluting because they exhaust tiny particles of unburned fuel into the air.
Running a two-stroke engine for an hour emits many harmful air quality pollutants, according to Electrek.
Currently, the state offers vouchers in exchange for dirty lawn equipment. Monetary incentives are given to businesses and residents to help them upgrade their lawn equipment to cleaner electric versions.
Colorado's Regional Air Council is planning to implement a ban on the use of these engines that will go into place as early as 2025. It would likely go into effect across the state and affect sales, government, and commercial use. However, residential users will be exempted from the ban.
By sending a signal now, commercial operators will have time to replace their units easily.
Read also: US EPA Proposes New Vehicle Pollution Cuts, Predicts Major EV Growth
How The Ban Will Help
The ban will not only improve air quality but also reduce the health risks associated with exposure to these pollutants, which can cause respiratory problems, heart disease, and other health issues.
The move towards cleaner lawn equipment is part of Colorado's broader efforts to address air pollution and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The state has set ambitious targets to reduce emissions from the transportation sector, which is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the state.
Overall, the ban on two-stroke engines is a positive step towards a cleaner and healthier environment in Colorado. It shows that the state is committed to taking bold action to address air pollution and protect public health.
In addition to the ban on two-stroke engines, Colorado is also implementing other measures to improve air quality. The state has introduced stricter emissions standards for vehicles and incentivized the use of electric cars. Furthermore, Colorado is investing in public transportation infrastructure such as buses and light rail systems that run on clean energy sources.
The benefits of reducing air pollution are numerous - not only does it protect public health, but it also helps combat climate change by lowering greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, studies have shown that improving air quality can lead to significant economic benefits through reduced healthcare costs and increased productivity.
While some may argue that banning two-stroke engines will inconvenience homeowners who rely on them for yard work or landscaping businesses who use them daily, there are alternatives available such as four-stroke engines, which emit lower levels of pollutants. Additionally, transitioning towards cleaner equipment can ultimately save money in fuel costs over time.
Colorado's focus on improving its environment through targeted policies like this engine ban demonstrates forward-thinking leadership aimed at safeguarding both current residents' well-being and future generations' prosperity alike against a rapidly changing global landscape impacted by human industrial activity.
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