In 2024, Montgomery County passed laws to address the health, noise, and environmental issues associated with gas-powered vacuums and leaf blowers. Gas-powered equipment sales have been prohibited since July 1, 2024, and on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, their use will also be prohibited.
The law forbids local and county governments, as well as residential and commercial properties, from using walk-behind, backpack, or portable gas-powered leaf removal equipment. Montgomery Parks and Montgomery County Public Schools, which are run by the state of Maryland, are exempt from it.
The County is providing incentives for the purchase of new electric leaf blowers in order to help with the transition. Violations will be subject to a $500 punishment after July 1, 2025.
The County claims that the prohibition is meant to lessen health hazards like respiratory illness and hearing damage, as well as hazardous emissions and dependency on fossil fuels.
The Noise Control Leaf Removal Equipment Seasonal Exemption Expedited Bill 19-25 was introduced by Councilmember Gabe Albornoz last week. According to the measure, landscapers may use gas-powered leaf blowers during certain months of the year with a restricted exemption. The proposed three-month exemption would expire three years after it was enacted and would only apply to weekdays between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. from October 1 to December 31.
Bill 19-25 is intended to give landscape professionals who may be impacted by the impending ban some short-term seasonal respite. The legislation is co-sponsored by Councilmembers Sidney Katz, Marilyn Balcombe, and Dawn Luedtke. On July 15, there will be a public hearing on the measure.
