Californian regulators have voted to ban the sale of new gas-powered generators, starting in 2028.
The news comes as part of a larger crackdown on “off-road small-displacement” motors, which includes lawnmowers and leaf blowers, which will become outlawed starting in 2024.
Gas generator have their provisions, which give them an extra four-year reprieve, and none of this legislation outlaws the use of currently owned equipment.
However, gas generators sold after 2024, before their 2028 ban, will be subject to stricter emissions standards than what is set currently.
The push for all this comes from the California Air Resources Board (CARB), which is aiming to reduce emissions from this small gas-powered engines.
This aligns CARB with Governor Gavin Newsom’s Executive Order, signed in September 2020, and moves the state closer to a zero-emission future.
“Today’s action by the Board addresses these small but highly polluting engines. It is a significant step towards improving air quality in the state, and will definitely help us meet stringent federal air quality standards,” said CARB Chair Liane Randolph.
“It will also essentially eliminate exposure to harmful fumes for equipment operators and anyone nearby.”
According to CARB, gas-powered equipment produces more smog than light-duty passenger cars, and they are projected to produce almost twice as much as passenger cars by 2031
For instance, using one backpack leaf blower for one hour generates the same emissions as a car driving 1,100 miles, which is a staggering statistic.
The passage of these new regulations is estimated to cut smog-forming emissions by 72 tons per day in California, according to CARB.
Of note, California has set aside $30 million in incentive funds to help landscapers and other businesses acquire zero-emission equipment that will be required by these regulations.
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