Residents urge Morris Township to curb gas-powered leaf blowers, cite health, noise and equity concerns

Multiple residents used the committees public-comment period on April 22 to press Morris Township officials to consider restrictions on gas-powered leaf blowers, citing air pollution, noise, workers safety and unequal neighborhood impacts.

Charlie Sharley Court said he has led an educational effort and is gathering support; he said his petition has 145 signatures and urged the township to consider a narrow change to the existing noise ordinance to remove landscaping equipment from the current exemption and instead target leaf blowers alone. "I would urge that the township pass a resolution in support of S623," he said, referencing a state bill reintroduced in Trenton that would prohibit certain gas-powered two-stroke leaf blowers and provide a tax credit for purchasing electric replacements.

Other speakers described how routine landscaping with gas leaf blowers affects everyday life: Kathleen Harahan, an environmental commission member speaking as a resident, said the machines can deliver dirt and particulates into open windows and running routes; Jean Cass and Gail Biggs described repeated neighborhood disturbances and health concerns; Lorine Singh urged that the devices are unnecessary for most residential uses.

Speakers also raised equity concerns for landscaping workers, noting that many do not use protective equipment and may be paid at subsistence levels. Some speakers suggested the township start with a narrow local ordinance or a resolution supporting state-level action to avoid imposing burdens on small businesses while encouraging a transition to electric equipment.

Town officials acknowledged the comments and said they will research state legislation and local options. Committeeman Rabbits and others said they would look into S623 and consider next steps.

What's next: Residents asked for follow-up and asked the committee to research regulatory options. Officials said the township will review state legislation and may consider a local approach that is narrowly tailored to leaf blowers rather than a broad landscaping exemption change.