The RTM (Representative Town Meeting) has recently shared a draft ordinance to limit the use of gas powered leaf blowers. Please review the information below and show your support by signing the petition, calling or writing members of the RTM, and attending one or more of the upcoming town meetings listed below.

Thank you for your support!

Overview of the draft ordinance:

• Restricts gas blower use to ONLY between March 15-April 30 and October 15-December 31. Gas leaf blowers will not be allowed outside of these timeframes.
• The number of blowers used simultaneously is not limited — landscapers will be free to use as many blowers as needed during cleanups, regardless of lot size
• Battery and electric blowers are permitted year round
• No blowing of any kind permitted before 8 a.m. or after 5 .m., or on state or federal holidays
• The ordinance will not apply to town-owned property or to golf courses
• Enforcement will be managed through the Westport Conservation Department

Why should the Town of Westport restrict gas leaf blowers?

Gas leaf blowers are more than just a noise nuisance, they cause harm both from an environmental and human health perspective. Not to mention, battery-powered equipment has become an increasingly practical alternative, causing less air and noise pollution.

This partial ban of gas leaf blowers is a small step to reduce the impact of climate change, provides an opportunity for Westport to lead the state in progressive legislation, and also supports our town’s resolution of becoming Net Zero by 2050.

Climate:

• Westport (and Fairfield County) already has one of the highest ozone levels in the state. Gas leaf blowers are a major source of nitrogen oxide, which combines with VOCs and sunlight to form additional ground-level (“bad”) ozone. The EPA recommends any area with high ozone levels restrict gas leaf blower use.
• One hour of gas blower use creates as much pollution as driving a sedan 1,100 miles; small engines, like those found in gas leaf blowers, are a larger source of smog-forming emissions than passenger cars.

Environment:

• The high velocity air jets used in gas leaf blowers destroy vegetation as well as insect/pollinator/animal habitats.
• This ordinance supports “Leave the Leaves” initiatives recommended by environmental groups. Allowing fallen leaves to break down naturally, helps improve the soil quality and provides countless wildlife species with habitat.
• Fuel spillage associated with gas leaf blowers contribute to overall groundwater pollution.
• Experts do not recommend blowing grass clippings in the summer, especially in areas susceptible to drought.

Human Health 

• The operation of gas leaf blowers contributes to hearing loss. The World Health Organization advises that noise becomes harmful at 55 dB. According to the CDC, a gas leaf blower emits noise at 90 dB. Even from 800 feet away, the noise has been found to exceed the 55 dB threshold.
• Exposure to noise not only harms hearing, but the CDC notes that it can lead to health problems including stress, anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
• Gas powered leaf blowers are a major source of carbon monoxide, which when inhaled cause fatigue, headaches, confusion, and dizziness due to inadequate oxygen delivery to the brain.

TAKE ACTION

Sign the Petition:

Click here to sign the change.org petition in support of this ordinance.

Email or Phone the RTM:

• Send a bulk email to our local Representative Town Meeting Members at: RTM-DL@westportct.gov
• You can also find emails and phone numbers to individual members of the RTM here.

Sample Email/Script: Hello, I am a current Westport resident, residing at [insert address]. I am writing in support of the draft ordinance limiting the use of gas leaf blowers to only from March 15 – April 30 and October 15 – December 31. Gas leaf blowers are not only a nuisance but cause a significant environmental and human health concern. To help our community reach the goal of becoming Net Zero by 2050, I fully support this ordinance. Thank you.

Attend RTM Meetings:

RTM Environment Committee
Tuesday, September 27, at 7:30pm via Zoom
Join Zoom Meeting
Phone: +1 646 876 9923 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 899 9191 2546
Passcode: 315247

RTM Finance & Public Works Committee
Wednesday, September 28, at 7pm
Westport Town Hall

RTM Ordinance Committee Meeting
Monday, October 3, at 1pm via Zoom
Join Zoom Meeting
Phone: +1 646 876 9923 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 856 0121 2979
Passcode: 632289