Irvine Is The Latest SoCal City To Ban Gas-Powered Lawn Tools

Irvine’s new ban on gas-powered lawn equipment will start next summer as the city works toward becoming carbon neutral by 2030. It applies to residents and any businesses working in Irvine, regardless of where they are based.

Businesses working in Irvine with more than 50 employees will have to stop using their gas-powered leaf blowers and lawnmowers by July 1. They’ll have until 2025 to phase out all other gas-powered lawn equipment — like hedge trimmers, edgers and chainsaws.

Residents and smaller businesses, however, will have until 2025 to comply with the first phase of the ban, and until July 1, 2026 to switch over all of their equipment.

A step toward carbon neutrality

Irvine Mayor Farrah Khan says the ban is one step toward their goal of becoming carbon-neutral in 2030.

“One of the things that was brought up multiple times was the transition from gas-powered leaf blowers and lawnmowers to electric,” she said. “And that seemed like, you know, a good start for us — especially because we're giving people enough time and incentive to do so.”

Meanwhile, California’s also moving away from gas lawn equipment. A state law banning the sale of new gas-powered lawn equipment is going into effect this January.

Are there any resources to help me make the switch?

Irvine is teaming up with the South Coast Air Quality Management District to help residents and businesses purchase the new — and more expensive — electric tools.

There are two programs already available through South Coast AQMD, through which:

• Individuals can receive up to a $250 rebate when they purchase a cordless, electric lawn mower.
• Businesses could get up to 85% of the cost of their commercial equipment covered.

“What we’re doing is we’re adding $150,000 to that as well in hopes that more people will be able to access this money and be able to transition into the electric equipment,” Khan said.

That extra money is only available to residents and businesses with an Irvine address. Funding will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis.

Khan said the city hasn’t discussed what punitive measures would look like. “Right now, it’s all about education,” she said. “It’s educating our community about the transition plan in place. It’s educating them on resources available through South Coast Air Quality Management District and through funding that the city has put in.”