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A proposed citywide effort to ban gas-powered equipment used by commercial gardeners is expected to come up as part of a free Zoom webinar on June 23 hosted by the City of South Pasadena.
In a recent meeting, the city’s Natural Resources and Environmental Commission (NREC), in which Mayor Pro Tem Michael Cacciotti serves as the liaison, took action to recommend that the City Council adopt an ordinance to ban gas-powered maintenance equipment in South Pasadena.
While city workers no longer use gas, favoring electric instead, many commercial gardeners continue to make it a practice. The longtime local councilmember hopes that someday will change.
“I’m talking to gardeners everyday with the idea that a ban could become effective if it’s approved someday by the City Council,” explained Cacciotti, who also serves as a board member for the South Coast Air Quality Management District.
During the 7 p.m. Zoom meeting, a discussion will take place on – taking the title of the presentation – “Transitioning to Electric Landscaping Equipment.”
Dan Mabe, founder of the American Green Zone Alliance (AGZA), will address air and noise pollution issues with gas powered equipment, the cost differences of switching to all-electric, which he insists is quieter and has significant health benefits.
“I’ve been working on this for years,” said Cacciotti, regarding his green push for electric. “I hear all the time people saying, ‘we’re tired of the pollution, the effectiveness it has on our children, our pets and our quality of life. But, I’m aware the multi-billion dollar gas-powered mower and maintenance equipment industry is going to fight us tooth and nail. There are just so many harmful impacts of gas and diesel emissions that are just so many of us are forced to breathe. I just know as a city we can do something about it and I just hope a lot of people will tune in next Wednesday night.”
In his crusade for clean air, Cacciotti stressed the importance of reaching out to residents and business owners with the message that battery-powered lawn and gardening equipment is far more effective than pollutants, microscopic particles, allergens, and odorous gases lurking in the air.
“We don’t want them to get cancer, lung disease, cardiovascular ailments and have neurological problems,” he said. “We want to make every effort to protect our citizens.”
South Pasadena, a leader in sustainable practices, in 2016 became the first city in the nation to earn the Green Zone certification from AGZA, a highly prestigious honor. All South Pasadena city parks use electric maintenance equipment, from mowers to leaf blowers.
Community members will be given a chance to ask questions and learn more about the City of South Pasadena’s efforts to restrict the use of gas powered leaf blowers in favor of electric maintenance equipment.
Join the Zoom Meeting via link: https://zoom.us/j/95026021937 or go to Zoom.com and enter Meeting ID: 950 2602 1937.
