Fall is here. No ordinance yet--but, we're making progress.

Fall is here.   You may have noticed that our streets are a little quieter.  While we still lack ordinances in Orangetown to protect us from high-powered, gas-driven leaf blowers, our message is getting out.  Much more has to be done, however.  Many individuals continue to complain of leaf blower noise, fumes, and dust.  Loud and inefficient gas-powered devices are still being used in residential landscapes, in parks, and in and around schools—even while the children are present! 

During the summer I researched communities’ responses across the nation to the problems of leaf blowers and other gas-powered lawn equipment.  I learned that at least eight states have been conducting lawn equipment exchanges.  These exchanges have permitted individuals to turn in working, gas-powered devices for new electric or battery-powered units that are far less polluting and noisy--at a price that is 50% - 75% below the normal retail price of the machines. 

The Orangetown Environmental Committee wished to offer Orangetown residents the same opportunity.  Although we were able to locate a grant to subsidize our proposed “Great Leaf Blower Exchange,” locating a non-profit sponsor for our committee (as required by the grant) was problematic.   Therefore, last week, we petitioned Governor Cuomo to request that he initiate a statewide lawn equipment exchange program.   

While, optimally, we would like to see residents and landscaping professionals use “green” solutions to maintain the landscape, we realize that there is a “greening process,” and that this process toward ecological and people-friendly landscape maintenance involves steps.  One of these steps is to help our residents and hard-working professional lawn care companies transition to equipment that causes less harm to individuals and to landscapes.  An on-going equipment exchange program would allow us to do that!

Therefore, I urge you to voice your support for a lawn equipment exchange program.  A list of our elected officials appears below.  Please contact them and let them know that a lawn equipment exchange program is a step in the right direction—toward a healthier and quieter Orangetown and state!

Official	Email Address	Telephone Number
Governor Cuomo	www.governor.ny.gov/contact/ GovernorContactForm.php	(518) 474-8390
Legislator Coker	cokerc@co.rockland.ny.us	(845) 638-5753
Senator Carlucci	carlucci@nyssenate.gov	(845) 623-3627
Assemblywoman Jaffee	jaffee@assembly.state.ny.us	(845) 624-4601