Gas-powered leaf blowers and lawn mowers may soon be on the California endangered species list. The Legislature has approved a bill prohibiting the sale of new such equipment including small off-road engines primarily found in outdoor power devices. Lawmakers were told those engines emit smog-forming pollutants at levels that are projected to outpace those from passenger cars. Workers who breathe exhaust from those engines face health risks, including asthma, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. (INT)

Story Date: September 19, 2021