Quiet Clean PDX is working with city, county and state officials in Oregon to enact legislation that will protect the health and safety of workers and residents, and safeguard the environment from the dangerous effects of gas-powered leaf blowers. 

We realize an effective and equitable transition away from gas-powered equipment requires a collaborative effort with all voices at the table. Since 2018, we have been meeting with concerned residents, grounds contractors, public health experts, air quality officials, noise experts, ecological landscaping leaders, and social justice, worker justice, and environmental justice organizations, as well as city, county and state leaders. Our accomplishments to date include the following:

Oregon House Bill 3023 (2021)

As a result of our lobbying efforts with the state legislature, a bill has been introduced this year that will prohibit the sale or use of gas-powered leaf blowers within any Urban Growth Boundary in Oregon with a population greater than 300,000.  Rep. Barbara Smith Warner is the bill’s chief sponsor.  HB 3023 would take effect on October 1, 2022 and would initially only apply to Portland’s Urban Growth Boundary.  Over 50% of gas leaf blower use in Oregon takes place in this area. See our packet with bill language and supporting arguments.  You can also read FAQs about the proposed bill.

Portland City Council Resolution #37463

We have been working with the City on ways to eliminate gas-powered leaf blowers in Portland. Due to our advocacy, in December 2019 the City Council passed Resolution #3743 (sponsored by the late Commissioner Nick Fish) which directs all City bureaus to transition from gas-powered to electric and/or battery-operated leaf blowers. It also calls for the establishment of a working group to consider an equitable, city-wide transition to electric and battery-operated leaf blowers and manual tools. Read the full bill here: Portland City Council Council Resolution #37463 – Direct City bureaus to transition to electric or battery operated leaf blowers.

Oregon House Bill 3350 (2019) 

We worked with Representative Alissa Keny-Guyer, and Senators Michael Dembrow and Shemia Fagan to introduce a bill in the 2019 legislative session prohibiting the use or sale of gas-powered leaf blowers in Oregon.  The bill received an informational meeting in the House Committee on Energy & Environment but then died in committee.

Multnomah County Resolution 

We are working with Multnomah County Commissioner Jessica Vega Pederson to enact a resolution similar to Portland’s Resolution 37463 for passage in 2021. It would require that county bureaus transition away from gas-powered leaf blowers, and would convene a working group to coordinate with the city of Portland on an equitable county-wide transition to electric and battery-operated leaf blowers and manual tools.