Lower Merion adopts ban on gas‑powered leaf blowers after heated public debate

The Lower Merion Board of Commissioners adopted ordinance 4337 on June 7, 2026, preserving the township's prohibition on gas‑powered leaf blowers and rejecting a proposed exemption for wheel‑mounted blowers. The ordinance, as adopted, maintains the township's phased schedule for phasing out gas‑powered blowers and leaves the enforcement framework and timeline intact.

Opponents of the ban — including local landscaping business owners and some homeowners — told the board the policy creates operational and safety challenges for contractors and residents. John McCauley, owner of a local landscaping company, said his firm has invested in chargers and battery blowers but still faces short battery runtimes, storage and fire‑safety concerns, and increased costs. He described investments in charging infrastructure and asked for more time for businesses to adapt.

Supporters called the ordinance a measured public‑health intervention. Dr. David Pole, a cardiologist with the University of Pennsylvania who spoke during public comment, told the board that emissions and noise from gas engines contribute to increased cardiovascular risk, elevated blood pressure and other health harms. Residents described an immediate improvement in neighborhood quiet since the summer phase of the ordinance began.

Several commissioners and staff addressed enforcement mechanics and outreach. Paloma (township staff) described the township's preferred reporting path — a reports app that prompts for location, photos and a willingness to testify — plus email and voicemail options. Staff said reports are reviewed for sufficiency before any enforcement action. Commissioners acknowledged the steep public interest and said implementation would be refined over the coming months.

A key procedural fight centered on a late amendment that would have exempted walk‑behind, tow‑behind and other wheel‑mounted blowers that are manufactured with integrated engines and blower housings. Commissioner Kramer moved to remove that exemption after residents warned it would create a broad loophole; the motion to strike the wheeled‑blower exemption carried and the final ordinance was adopted by roll call.

Madam Secretary called the roll for adoption of ordinance 4337. The final recorded vote was 12 in favor, 1 opposed. Commissioner Kramer cast the sole recorded dissent on the motion to add the exemption earlier in the process.

What happens next: the ordinance remains in force according to its published phase‑out schedule; staff will continue enforcement using the reported‑app pipeline and the board said it will monitor business and public‑safety outcomes, including battery storage and recycling concerns raised by landscapers. Commissioners encouraged education and technical support for contractors considering electrification.