Expedited Bill 19-25, which proposed a seasonal exemption permitting landscape professionals to use gas-powered leaf blowers from October 1 to December 31 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., was reviewed by the Montgomery County Council on Monday, July 28. The exemption is scheduled to expire three years after it is enacted.
Following hours of deliberation, the exemption was not approved.In an interview with FOX 5, the bill’s primary proponent, Councilmember Gabe Albornoz, voiced his dismay, saying, “This is going to set everybody up for failure in October.” Council members Sidney Katz, Marilyn Balcombe, and Dawn Luedtke cosponsored the bill.
In 2024, Montgomery County enacted laws to address health, noise, and environmental issues pertaining to 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 handheld 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 result in a $500 punishment starting 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.
