SB3313 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB101 13336 CPF 62179 b

101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2019 and 2020
SB3313

Introduced 2/14/2020, by Sen. Laura Fine

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

415 ILCS 5/9.18 new

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Provides that on and after January 1, 2022, a person may not operate or sell at retail a gas-powered leaf blower in the State. Provides that a person who violates the amendatory Act's provisions shall be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $500. Effective immediately.

FISCAL NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning safety.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Environmental Protection Act is amended by adding Section 9.18 as follows:

(415 ILCS 5/9.18 new)

Sec. 9.18. Gas-powered leaf blower ban.

(a) The General Assembly finds that:

(1) gas-powered leaf blowers are detrimental to the health of the citizens of the State of Illinois and the quality of the environment;

(2) two-stroke and four-stroke engines used in gas-powered leaf blowers emit exceedingly high rates of pollutants, including, but not limited to, carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides, and hydrocarbons;

(3) the chemical pollutants that gas-powered leaf blowers emit can contribute to smog formation and acid rain;

(4) gas-powered leaf blowers generate noise at a decibel level capable of causing hearing loss in a short amount of time;

(5) gas-powered leaf blowers send dust and other small particles into the air for considerable distances, including, but not limited to, animal feces, trace quantities of heavy metals such as lead, and allergens such as pollen and mold.

(b) In this Section, "gas-powered leaf blower" means a leaf blower that has a two-stroke or four-stroke engine using gasoline or a gasoline and oil blend as fuel.

(c) On and after January 1, 2022, a person may not operate a gas-powered leaf blower in the State of Illinois.

(d) On and after January 1, 2022, a person may not sell at retail a gas-powered leaf blower in the State of Illinois.

(e) Any person who violates this Section shall be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $500.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.