DEFENDING USE OF
LEAF BLOWERS
Thanks to the great work of Senator Shawn Still, the Landscape Equipment and Agricultural Fairness (LEAF) Act, SB 145, cleared the Senate Monday with a 37-16 vote. In addition to having the support of every Republican Senator, it also garnered support from six Democratic Senators, showing great bi-partisan support. Among the most vocal Democratic supporters is Senator Derek Mallow of Savannah. He has been a solid voice on this issue and has heard from several landscape businesses in his district. UAC membership also weighed in with emails to lawmakers, helping show broad support for this important industry issue. We thank you. |
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- UAC agreed to have a provision added to the bill that requires the preemption language to be renewed in eight years.
- We were very pleased to have UAC members Mark Thelen (pictured with Mary Kay Woodworth and Senator Still) and Todd Guilmette come to the Capitol to meet with senators on this issue.
- We were joined by Rick Bell of Arrow Exterminators as the Georgia Pest Control Association is also among the supporting organizations.
- The bill establishes that there shall be no prohibition or regulation of the use of gasoline-powered leaf blowers during hours allowed for all power equipment.
- Opponents of leaf blowers from Atlanta and Decatur worked the hallways to try and defeat the bill.
- We have prepared information to share with lawmakers about the importance of protecting the use of gasoline-powered leaf blowers.
- Language in the bill reflects the confusion that would exist with varying ordinances that would also lead to increased costs for compliance.
- UAC had this letter placed on the desks of all senators.
- Now that the LEAF Act has passed the Senate, it moves to the House and will receive a committee hearing in the coming days.
Thank you to these groups who are in support of the LEAF Act (SB 145):
- Georgia Chamber of Commerce
- Georgia Agribusiness Council
- Georgia Farm Bureau
- Georgia Golf Course Superintendents Association
- Georgia Green Industry Association
- Georgia Pest Control Association
- Golf Course Superintendents Association of America
- National Association of Landscape Professionals
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