Colorado Governor Signs Executive Order Forcibly Phasing Out Gas-Powered Yard Tools
Last week, Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed an executive order directing state agencies to phase out gas-powered lawn and gardening equipment at state facilities in “ozone nonattainment” areas to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The governor’s executive order requires all state agencies and state contractors to replace gas-powered equipment with electric tools over the next two years.
The order states that the purpose of this directive is to “reduce energy and water consumption in State buildings, increase the use of renewable energy by State facilities, purchase and utilize electric cars and trucks in State operations.”
“In particular,” the executive order claims, “gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment create high levels of localized emissions that include hazardous air pollutants, criteria pollutants, and carbon dioxide emissions.”
The order also instructs the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), to develop “water-efficient landscape criteria,” called “water-wise landscaping,” and to limit the use of grass and turf which require a high volume of water.
The governor noted that he hopes the state agencies will set an example for private citizens to follow, encouraging residents to ditch their “loud, smelly, noisy” gas-powered lawn equipment in favor of electric mowers and tools.
“We are doing our part to save people money, protect water and our planet,” said Governor Polis. “Colorado is leading the nation on common sense ways to reduce pollution and ensure Colorado can thrive.”
“The state is going to be asking others to do this, and we do want private partners to do this, we want people to do this in their homes,” he added. “The state needs to lead the way. We need to put our own skin in the game.”
“These are important steps to ensure our state is setting an example and doing the hard work of addressing the climate emergency and doing what we can as a government to protect our air and water,’ State Senator Faith Winter said. “We are showing that while this work is hard, it’s achievable, and these are important actions to create a sustainable future.”
According to CBS News, Colorado is also offering anyone who switches to electric-powered tools tax credits as part of the state’s green initiatives.
