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Join the revolution. Copy, paste and sign the email below asking the Atlanta City Council to consider legislation to ban gas-powered leaf blowers. Send to afauver@atlantaga.gov and jmaddox@atlantaga.gov. The more voices we raise, the more likely the council will raise the issue!
Dear Ms. Fauver and Mr. Maddox,
As member and chair, respectively, of the Committee on Public Safety and the Committee on Community Development, we know you care about the quality of life of Atlantans, and that you are charged with taking steps to improve that quality of life when possible. We also know that in these challenging times, you are looking for ways in which the City of Atlanta--both its government and its residents--can cut back on energy use and reduce pollution. I would like you to consider, as one measure, introducing legislation to ban gas-powered leaf blowers within the city limits.
The gas-powered leaf blower is a threat to quality of life in several ways.
First, it is a horrible source of noise pollution. The average gas-powered leaf blower generates about 70-75 decibels. According to the EPA, this level interferes with sleep and communication and leads to increased and prolonged aggravation.
Second, it pollutes the air. One gas-powered leaf blower emits as much pollution in a single year as 80 automobiles.
Third, they use and waste and valuable fuel. Rakes and electric leaf blowers offer fuel-free alternatives, and rakes have the added benefit of providing good exercise.
Also, because gas-powered leaf blowers operate at such high speed--often blowing air (and dirt and dust and allergens) at a rate of 200 mph--they worsen allergy symptoms for residents. And as you know, Atlanta already has an allergen problem.
On top of all of this, gas-powered leaf blowers are inefficient and, frankly, rude. Generally speaking, they blow dirt and debris and yes, sometimes even leaves, from one person's property to another, or onto public streets and sidewalks where eventually taxpayer-paid city workers end up cleaning them up or blowing them around more.
I ask you to please consider following the lead of other progressive city governments and supporting a ban on gas-powered leaf blowers in the city of Atlanta.
Sincerely,
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