Residents urge Morris Township to phase out gas-powered leaf blowers, cite health and noise harms
May 25, 2026 | Morris Township, Morris County, New Jersey
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
Residents pressed Morris Township officials at the May 20 township committee meeting to take concrete steps to reduce the use of gas-powered leaf blowers, raising health risks, emissions and chronic noise as reasons to consider conversion, ordinance changes or time limits.
Charlie Schachter, a resident, told the committee that gas blowers operate at more than 110 decibels at the operator's ear, “well above the threshold linked to hearing damage,” and he argued the devices emit hydrocarbons comparable to driving a full-size pickup nearly 4,000 miles over a 30-minute run. Schachter praised the Environmental Commission’s voluntary “quiet summer” initiative and urged the township to (1) examine replacing township equipment with electric models, (2) consider a local resolution backing a state bill that would phase out sales and offer purchase tax credits, and (3) remove the gas-leaf-blower exemption from the local noise ordinance so local enforcement could restrict use.
“It's a voluntary program now, but its success will depend entirely on how widely information is disseminated,” Schachter said.
Other residents offered similar concerns. David Ocado cited specific pollutants—naming 1,3-butadiene and formaldehyde—and said persistent PM2.5 and low-frequency noise can harm children’s concentration and workers’ long-term health. Joe Adamonte and Sherry Shafter emphasized both health and the quality-of-life impacts of frequent blower use. Bob Belamente suggested time-of-day restrictions for commercial and residential use, noting that commercial crews with multiple blowers can make noise problems worse and that local limits in nearby towns could serve as models.
Committee members acknowledged the issue but did not adopt a formal policy at the meeting. Deputy Mayor Genata said the township had previously studied electric conversion but found it “very expensive” at that time; committeewoman Rothman and committeeman Roberts both expressed sympathy for residents’ concerns and interest in pursuing solutions. Roberts encouraged resident pressure on landscapers while the governing body considers regulatory steps.
No ordinance or resolution was introduced or voted on during the session; the committee took public comment and agreed to obtain additional information, including an accounting of township-owned gas-powered equipment and a renewed cost review for electric replacements. Residents who asked for follow-up were advised to expect further discussion during upcoming committee meetings and Environmental Commission outreach.
What happens next: Committee members said staff will gather cost and inventory information and the committee will put the item on a future agenda for further discussion. The committee did not take formal legislative action on leaf blowers at the May 20 meeting.
Charlie Schachter, a resident, told the committee that gas blowers operate at more than 110 decibels at the operator's ear, “well above the threshold linked to hearing damage,” and he argued the devices emit hydrocarbons comparable to driving a full-size pickup nearly 4,000 miles over a 30-minute run. Schachter praised the Environmental Commission’s voluntary “quiet summer” initiative and urged the township to (1) examine replacing township equipment with electric models, (2) consider a local resolution backing a state bill that would phase out sales and offer purchase tax credits, and (3) remove the gas-leaf-blower exemption from the local noise ordinance so local enforcement could restrict use.
“It's a voluntary program now, but its success will depend entirely on how widely information is disseminated,” Schachter said.
Other residents offered similar concerns. David Ocado cited specific pollutants—naming 1,3-butadiene and formaldehyde—and said persistent PM2.5 and low-frequency noise can harm children’s concentration and workers’ long-term health. Joe Adamonte and Sherry Shafter emphasized both health and the quality-of-life impacts of frequent blower use. Bob Belamente suggested time-of-day restrictions for commercial and residential use, noting that commercial crews with multiple blowers can make noise problems worse and that local limits in nearby towns could serve as models.
Committee members acknowledged the issue but did not adopt a formal policy at the meeting. Deputy Mayor Genata said the township had previously studied electric conversion but found it “very expensive” at that time; committeewoman Rothman and committeeman Roberts both expressed sympathy for residents’ concerns and interest in pursuing solutions. Roberts encouraged resident pressure on landscapers while the governing body considers regulatory steps.
No ordinance or resolution was introduced or voted on during the session; the committee took public comment and agreed to obtain additional information, including an accounting of township-owned gas-powered equipment and a renewed cost review for electric replacements. Residents who asked for follow-up were advised to expect further discussion during upcoming committee meetings and Environmental Commission outreach.
What happens next: Committee members said staff will gather cost and inventory information and the committee will put the item on a future agenda for further discussion. The committee did not take formal legislative action on leaf blowers at the May 20 meeting.
View the Full Meeting & All Its Details
This article offers just a summary. Unlock complete video, transcripts, and insights as a Founder Member.
✓
Watch full, unedited meeting videos
✓
Search every word spoken in unlimited transcripts
✓
AI summaries & real-time alerts (all government levels)
✓
Permanent access to expanding government content
30-day money-back guarantee
