Senate committee kills local option to restrict gas leaf blowers after heated public testimony
February 10, 2026 | 2026 Legislature VA, Virginia
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The Senate Committee on Local Government on Tuesday voted to pass Senate Bill 687 by indefinitely, 11–4, killing a proposal that would have allowed certain densely populated Virginia localities to adopt ordinances restricting or banning gas-powered leaf blowers.
Senator Saleem (patron) told the committee the bill was a local option — not a mandate — limited to localities with a cited density threshold and designed to give cities such as Arlington and Fairfax an additional tool to address noise and air-quality concerns. "This is not us telling them what to do," the senator said, adding that localities could choose whether to enact restrictions and that the bill would include transition periods.
Supporters who testified said gas-powered blowers pose health and noise hazards. Jim Gillespie, a Fairfax City resident and volunteer with Quiet Clean Northern Virginia, said 2‑stroke engines emit pollutants including benzene and formaldehyde and can cause permanent hearing loss for operators who use them many hours per day. "Operating gas powered leaf blowers six days a week for many hours a day does not not harm the operator," Gillespie said.
Several local officials and environmental groups voiced support. Chris Lane of South Cliff Strategies, speaking for Arlington County, said the bill would add a useful tool for high-density communities that have already begun transitioning to electric equipment. Bob Shipley of the Sierra Club also urged approval.
Industry and business witnesses strongly opposed the bill. Stacy Gordon of the Virginia Manufacturers Association argued that localities already can regulate noise and time-of-day restrictions and warned that forcing equipment replacement would hurt small landscaping businesses and manufacturers. Caitlin Jordan of the Virginia Farm Bureau said restrictions would worry farmers and others who rely on gas equipment. Rob Bohannon of the Virginia Golf Course Superintendents Association said battery technology currently does not meet the power and run‑time needs of large-scale grounds work.
Committee debate underscored competing concerns about public health, local control and economic impact. Senator Stanley offered a colorful objection, describing his attachment to his own gas blower and moving the committee to pass the bill by indefinitely. The motion carried on the roll call recorded by the clerk: Ayes 11, No 4.
Because the motion to pass by indefinitely carried, SB 687 will not move forward from this committee at this time. The committee record shows multiple speakers urged further study and local action in lieu of a statewide mandate.
Votes recorded in committee: motion to pass by indefinitely on SB 687 — Ayes 11, No 4.
Senator Saleem (patron) told the committee the bill was a local option — not a mandate — limited to localities with a cited density threshold and designed to give cities such as Arlington and Fairfax an additional tool to address noise and air-quality concerns. "This is not us telling them what to do," the senator said, adding that localities could choose whether to enact restrictions and that the bill would include transition periods.
Supporters who testified said gas-powered blowers pose health and noise hazards. Jim Gillespie, a Fairfax City resident and volunteer with Quiet Clean Northern Virginia, said 2‑stroke engines emit pollutants including benzene and formaldehyde and can cause permanent hearing loss for operators who use them many hours per day. "Operating gas powered leaf blowers six days a week for many hours a day does not not harm the operator," Gillespie said.
Several local officials and environmental groups voiced support. Chris Lane of South Cliff Strategies, speaking for Arlington County, said the bill would add a useful tool for high-density communities that have already begun transitioning to electric equipment. Bob Shipley of the Sierra Club also urged approval.
Industry and business witnesses strongly opposed the bill. Stacy Gordon of the Virginia Manufacturers Association argued that localities already can regulate noise and time-of-day restrictions and warned that forcing equipment replacement would hurt small landscaping businesses and manufacturers. Caitlin Jordan of the Virginia Farm Bureau said restrictions would worry farmers and others who rely on gas equipment. Rob Bohannon of the Virginia Golf Course Superintendents Association said battery technology currently does not meet the power and run‑time needs of large-scale grounds work.
Committee debate underscored competing concerns about public health, local control and economic impact. Senator Stanley offered a colorful objection, describing his attachment to his own gas blower and moving the committee to pass the bill by indefinitely. The motion carried on the roll call recorded by the clerk: Ayes 11, No 4.
Because the motion to pass by indefinitely carried, SB 687 will not move forward from this committee at this time. The committee record shows multiple speakers urged further study and local action in lieu of a statewide mandate.
Votes recorded in committee: motion to pass by indefinitely on SB 687 — Ayes 11, No 4.
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