Dear Editor,
As a young man who always did handy work and landscaping jobs to earn money, this issue resonates deeply with me. I understand firsthand what it takes to show up early, work long hours outdoors, and rely on dependable equipment to get the job done.
That is why I oppose New York’s move to eliminate gas-powered landscaping equipment.
The proposed legislation A02114, which bans the sale of gas lawn mowers and leaf blowers beginning in 2027, and S424, which restricts the seasonal use of gas leaf blowers, will have serious consequences for hardworking contractors and small business owners across our state.
Landscaping is not just a business. For many, it is a first job, a family trade, or a pathway to entrepreneurship. Many of these companies are family-owned, including Hispanic and immigrant-owned businesses that have built their livelihoods through hard work and determination. They provide year-round maintenance, storm cleanup, and essential services to our homes, schools and communities.
Replacing entire fleets with commercial electric equipment is not simple or affordable. The upfront costs, battery requirements, and charging logistics create real financial strain. Those added expenses will ultimately fall on customers and taxpayers.
Environmental progress should be practical and achievable. Policies that ignore economic reality risk harming the very working people they claim to help.
New York should be encouraging opportunity and supporting small businesses, not imposing mandates that make it harder for young people and hardworking families to earn a living.
-Marcus Sarno, Vails Grove
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