Redding Today

California's new legislation banning gas-powered lawn mowers, generators, and other equipment has sparked debate. The law, Assembly Bill 1346, mandates the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to regulate and prohibit the sale of new internal combustion small off-road engines under 25 horsepower by January 1, 2024. This includes various lawn care tools, portable generators, and power tools used for personal and commercial purposes.

Existing law requires CARB to adopt a statewide greenhouse gas emissions limit equivalent to 1990 levels by 2020 and reduce emissions to at least 40% below the 2020 limit by December 31, 2030.

Senator Brian Dahle has voiced strong opposition to this measure. He expressed concerns about increased costs for consumers and taxpayers due to the switch to electric or battery-powered equipment. "Once again, we are pricing people out of California," he said. Dahle highlighted issues with California's electrical grid reliability: "Rechargeable batteries sound like a good idea until you factor in California’s less than reliable electrical grid."

Dahle criticized the focus on regulating small engines while larger environmental issues persist. "I spoke against this legislation in the Senate because our communities are burning down and blackouts are becoming a way of life," he stated. He emphasized that mismanagement of funds should be addressed and pointed out that massive forest fires contribute significantly to carbon emissions.

Although not opposed to reducing carbon emissions, Dahle proposed legislation (SB 495) aimed at incorporating wildland and forest fire emissions into the state's scoping plan for appropriate reduction strategies. However, his bill was rejected in committee. "Tragically, legislators killed this bill in committee because they would rather just study the issue instead of talking about real solutions," Dahle remarked.

The federal Clean Air Act preempts California control over emissions for many tools; more information is available on CARB's website.

California's 1st Senate District includes all or parts of Alpine, El Dorado, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, Sierra, Siskiyou, Shasta counties as well as deferred areas of Tehama, Butte, Colusa, and Glenn counties.