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As a nurse, I have been deeply concerned about the air pollution
and climate effects caused by gas-powered leaf blowers and other
two-stroke engines for many years.  The egregious amount of air
pollution created by the use of these motors is well-documented,
and there are much cleaner alternatives available for tools and
vehicles now powered by these gasoline motors.

The emissions from these motors are also disproportionately
contributing to the climate crisis, which has already resulted in
horrible damage to California in the forms of drought and
wildfires, to name just two.

In my opinion, these motors should have been banned years ago, but
since they have not been banned, I am writing to ask that you adopt
new regulations that will at least phase out the sale of
highly-polluting gas-powered leaf blowers and lawn equipment in
California beginning in 2024.  Better yet, please phase out the
sale in 2022 and enact a total ban by 2024.
 
The California Legislature has appropriated $30 million for your
agency to distribute to small proprietor landscapers to help them
begin to acquire and transition to new, zero emission electric and
manual equipment, in addition to subsidies and buy back programs
already led by air districts throughout the state.  We cannot allow
the continued damage these motors do to persist for economic
reasons that can be more easily overcome than the health and
climate effects of their pollution.

So, please adopt the regulation to phase these motors out in the
fastest, strongest way possible.

Thank you for your consideration.