Leaders Propose Solutions to Replace Gas Leaf Blowers

Two Los Angeles City Council members proposed potential options Tuesday to help gardeners who will be banned Feb. 13 from using gasoline-powered leaf blowers in residential areas.

Richard Alarcon announced that the Southern California Air Quality Management District is offering to pay companies a 50% match to develop new technologies, including those focusing on battery and fuel cell technology.

Rudy Svorinich proposed that the city help gardeners secure low-interest loans or grants to purchase new equipment, and asked that the Environmental Affairs Department meet with gardeners to develop a strategy to persuade leaf-blower manufacturers to create another type of blower.