It’s a debate as old as humanity—regulation vs personal choice. Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, it’s been impossible to miss the conversations about gas-powered lawn care equipment and increasing regulations banning some or all types.
Most of the advances in electric requirements have come from Europe and California. Several states have regulations tied to California, so any changes they make have a longer reach than just the state lines.
According to a report from the AP, gas is getting a rare win. The Wisconsin Assembly voted along party lines in a pair of bills to eliminate state and local government’s ability to ban gas engines on outdoor power equipment.
It’s important to note that the bills only cover what the governments can do, not what HOAs, CDDs, and others are able to regulate.
Politics aside (if that’s possible), this is going to be a very interesting law for Pros and business owners in the lawn care and landscaping industries to watch as well as manufacturers in both the gas and electric sectors. There’s no indication that it will turn into a supreme court battle even at the state level, but there are significant implications if it is challenged in court.
If we can hypothesize for a moment, a federal striking down of the bill would turn the conversation to whether it’s legal to ban gas engines in the states that have. If it’s upheld, it would most likely set a precedent that supports upholding current bans on gas engines.
Regardless, it’s a safe bet that state leaders on both sides of the aisle will be watching and some will be considering similar legislation.
What do you think? Should state and local governments be legally able to ban gas engines? Let us know in the comments below! However, we know this is a divisive issue, so engage with discretion and respect, please.
