Public comment period open for Gas Leaf Blowers administrative rules

Portland's public comment period for proposed rules banning gas-powered leaf blowers is now open and will remain so until December 14, 2025. The rules, set to take effect on January 1, 2026, include a phased implementation timeline, enforcement measures, and exemptions. The Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) encourages community feedback to shape the final regulations. A public meeting on December 3 will provide an opportunity for residents to ask questions and learn more about the phase-out project. This initiative responds to concerns about air quality, noise, and public health linked to gas-powered equipment.

In 2023, the City Council tasked BPS with developing a policy framework to phase out gas-powered leaf blowers, aligning with Portland’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions. The ordinance reflects input from community members, institutional property owners, and landscaping professionals. The City Council passed the ordinance on March 13, 2024, following a public comment period earlier in the year.