Title
Amending Chapter 10-400 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Noise and Excessive Vibration," by prohibiting the use of gasoline-powered leaf blowers, under certain terms and conditions.
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Philadelphia finds the use of gasoline-powered leaf blowers impairs the health, social welfare, and quality of life of persons residing and working in Philadelphia, and also adversely impacts the environment; and
WHEREAS, gas-powered leaf blowers can produce high levels of noise, and prolonged exposure can contribute to permanent hearing loss as well as stress-related diseases; and
WHEREAS, gas-powered leaf blowers emit harmful chemicals including carcinogens, other cancer-causing compounds, smog-forming agents, and greenhouse gasses, and are known to damage soil health and wildlife ecosystems; and
WHEREAS, the City finds that the health harms generated by gasoline-powered leaf blowers are hazardous to those in close proximity such as those operating the equipment, and that this disproportionately affects landscape workers who use these devices for prolonged periods; and
WHEREAS, the City is committed to ensuring safe working conditions and a healthy, livable community for all residents; and
WHEREAS, the City recognizes that there is alternative landscaping equipment to gasoline-powered leaf blowers, ranging from electric leaf blowers to manual tools; and
WHEREAS, the City finds that the passage of this ordinance will support Philadelphia's commitment to protecting the health of the community, including its landscape workers, and advance the City's climate goals and commitment to transitioning to clean energy; and
WHEREAS, the City is proud to join a growing number of cities nationwide in prohibiting the use of gasoline-powered leaf blowers due to their harmful health and environmental effects; now, therefore
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA HEREBY ORDAINS:
Section 1. Chapter 10-400 of The Philadelphia Code is amended as follows:
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