San Francisco committee continues proposed ban on gas-powered landscaping equipment after industry opposition

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors Budget & Finance Committee on May 11 continued an ordinance that would prohibit the city from using gas-powered landscaping equipment for municipal functions, citing a request from the bill’s sponsor for more time to work on amendments.

Chair Supervisor Hillary Ronan said sponsor Supervisor Melgar is still refining amendments and moved to continue the item to the call of the chair. The committee approved the continuance by roll call: Safaie, Marr and Ronan voted aye.

The ordinance, as introduced by the clerk, would ban city use of gas-powered landscaping equipment beginning Jan. 1, 2024 with temporary waivers, and expand prohibitions to contracting and broader use by Jan. 1, 2026 except where the Department of the Environment determines replacement technology is unavailable. It would create penalties and a buyback/incentive fund, require a public education campaign and annual reporting to the Board of Supervisors on enforcement and program progress.

Public commenters on the phone urged caution. Jeff Jensen, representing the Golf Course Superintendents Association of Northern California, said zero-emission equipment “does not currently fit the intended-for-use standard for large landscapes, including parks, golf courses, cemeteries, and sports fields,” citing power, charging, durability and safety concerns and limited supply. He asked the city to align implementation timelines with California Air Resources Board rule-making and allow existing equipment manufactured before sales bans to remain in use while the city conducts an in-depth analysis.

Chair Ronan and staff said the sponsor would return with amendments. The committee requested that the sponsor and department provide updated analysis and draft waiver criteria as the item proceeds back to the committee or the full Board.