Rhode Island House Bill H6466

Rhode Island 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/31/23
• Refer: 5/31/23

Caption

Joint Resolution Making An Appropriation Of $1,000,000 To The Office Of Energy Resources To Fund A Rebate Program In Conjunction With The Passage Of An Eligible Ordinance That Would Ban The Use Of Gasoline-powered Leaf Blowers (this Joint Resolution Would Authorize An Appropriation Out Of The 2022-2023 Budget Surplus Of $1,000,000 To Fund A Rebate Program In Conjunction With The Passage Of An Eligible Ordinance That Would Ban The Use Of Gasoline-powered Leaf Blowers.)

Impact

If enacted, this bill would provide financial resources to local governments to support transitioning away from gasoline-powered leaf blowers, thus facilitating a more eco-friendly approach to lawn maintenance. The rebate program would offer a maximum of $250,000 per municipality, helping them offset the costs associated with this transition. The potential benefits include improved air quality and reduced noise pollution in communities, directly addressing environmental health issues prevalent in urban areas.

Summary

House Bill H6466 proposes a joint resolution to allocate $1,000,000 from the state's surplus budget for the fiscal year 2022-2023. These funds are intended to establish a rebate program for cities and towns that pass ordinances banning the usage of gasoline-powered leaf blowers. The initiative stems from concerns about the environmental and health impacts of gasoline-powered leaf blowers, including the emission of pollutants that can cause various health issues and the noise that can lead to hearing loss.

Contention

Despite its intended environmental benefits, the bill may face pushback regarding local governance and autonomy. Some stakeholders may argue that mandating local ordinances and providing state-level rebates could impose unreasonable requirements on municipalities, particularly those with limited budgets. Additionally, the effectiveness of a ban on gasoline-powered leaf blowers might be debated, with concerns about enforcement and compliance potentially arising as local governments navigate the new regulations.