Seasonal gas-powered leaf blower ban goes into effect in Lower Merion Township

LOWER MERION TOWNSHIP, Pa. (WPVI) -- A seasonal ban on gas-powered leaf blowers went into effect Monday, June 1st, in Lower Merion Township.

Under the township's new regulations, using the equipment is prohibited through October 1.

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The measure addresses not only air pollution but noise pollution as well - and it has not come without controversy.

This marks the first phase of the full ban, which doesn't go into effect until 2029.

The next phase goes into effect in 2027, when gas-powered leaf blowers will be prohibited from January 1 to April 1, and once again from June 1 to October 1.

Radnor Township is also weighing a ban on gas-powered leaf blowers.