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Friday, November 8, 2024

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CT voters pass no-excuse absentee voting amendment; Biden urges Americans to 'bring down the temperature' after Trump's US election win; As FSA loan changes aim to support farmers, advocates say more needed; As leaves fall in AZ, calls renewed to incentivize electric lawn equipment.

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President Biden asks Americans to turn down the temperature, House Speaker Mike Johnson promises an aggressive first 100 day agenda and Democratic governors vow to push back on Trump's plan for mass deportations.

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Texas women travel some of the longest distances for abortion care, Californians the shortest, rural living comes with mixed blessings for veterans, an ancient technique could curtail climate-change wildfires, and escape divisive politics on World Kindness Day.

As leaves fall in AZ, calls renewed to incentivize electric lawn equipment

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Friday, November 8, 2024   

It is finally cooling down in Arizona, which means more leaves on the ground as well as heightened use of lawn equipment to keep Arizona properties looking their best.

The Arizona Public Interest Research Group Education Fund has released an interactive map showing the more than 200 policies and programs in Arizona and around the country, aiming to slash air pollution and cut back on the noise produced from gas-powered equipment.

Diane Brown, executive director of the group, said programs in Pima and Maricopa counties provide vouchers to residents who turn in their gas-powered lawn equipment to be recycled. They then can more easily purchase and make the switch to newer electric tools.

She added gas-powered equipment has a significant and direct negative effect on air quality and public health.

"One of the key findings that is important for Arizonans to know is that running a commercial gas leaf blower for just one hour produces as much smog-forming pollution as driving a car from Phoenix to Dallas," Brown explained.

Brown believes state and local governments should lead by example, using electric equipment for their landscaping needs, as well as growing the number of programs and incentives around the state.

Brown pointed out major hardware stores have made strong commitments to provide more electric lawn equipment options. In a 2023 report, Lowe's claims it has helped its customers transition to battery-operated products, accounting for more than 60% of lawn equipment sales, excluding riding lawn mowers. And in the U.S. and Canada, The Home Depot said it is set to meet its goal for 85% of outdoor equipment sales to be electric by 2028.

Brown emphasized their interactive map shows the transition is a growing priority across the country.

"It isn't just the coastal states that have programs and policies in place," Brown noted. "Utah, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Texas have programs, in addition to Maricopa and Pima counties."

Brown urged local and state governments to create or bolster programs to help more commercial landscapers afford the up-front costs of the electric equipment they use on a daily basis to improve air quality and save money due to lower maintenance and fuel costs.

Disclosure: The Arizona Public Interest Research Group Education Fund contributes to our fund for reporting on Civic Engagement, Consumer Issues, Energy Policy, and Urban Planning/Transportation. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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