The D.C. Council has approved a law that could bring rakes back into style: banning gas-powered leaf blowers.
Electric leafblowers would still be allowed. Gas-powered versions would be outlawed in January 2022.
The gas-powered leaf blowers are a common sight in fall. The problem, according to D.C. Councilmember Mary Cheh, is that they are too loud.
"The essence of the bill is to deal with noise," Cheh said. "They're much noisier, but as a byproduct, we will also be the beneficiaries of a better environment."
She says the machines also throw out a lot of pollution.
A spokesperson for the mayor's office tells us they have not yet reviewed the legislation.
One landscaper said if his crews are forced to use battery powered or electric leaf blowers, it would make their jobs much harder.
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"That would really slow the process down... substantially," John McKay said.
Stores would also be banned from selling gas-powered leaf blowers, but the federal government could still use them on properties including the White House and national parks.
