New Metro Vancouver regulations eyed to curb pollution from gas-powered equipment

Most people hate leaf blowers because they always seem to get fired up when you are trying to have a quiet read or conduct a Zoom meeting while working from home.

But they are more than just annoying.

These devices – and other gas-powered equipment – are also big polluters, according to a new report from the Metro Vancouver regional government.

“Small gas-powered equipment used in landscaping and light industrial applications generates about half the amount of health-harming air contaminants as all light-duty vehicles regionally,” said the report, which was compiled after multiple Metro Vancouver cities asked the regional government to explore how to reduce emissions from this source.

In response, Metro Vancouver staff members are looking at developing an emission regulation proposal coupled with supportive measures, that they will present to the regional government board. The report says the regulations would involve a phased-in approach to help professionals make the transition, but highlighted difficulties with enforcing compliance because of the “transient” nature of using older equipment.

The proposal will be aimed at how to make a transition to electric equipment. While it is “generally viewed as safer and easier to maintain,” difficulties include repair complexity and lack of charging infrastructure. The report details how charging options would have to be increased, including pilot battery-charging stations.

Professionals who use this equipment are motivated to make a transition to electric due to customer’s concern about the environment, said the report. There are also regulations like a City of Vancouver motion in 2022 to phase out the gas-powered equipment.

“Professional users expressed mixed opinions on the efficiency of emission-free alternatives, and a general lack of awareness about available equipment options was seen as a barrier,” the report said after spending 2024 and part of 2025 consulting with users of such equipment.

“Participants also raised the need to improve recycling infrastructure for both old small gasoline-powered equipment and batteries.”

Metro Vancouver is responsible under the Environmental Management Act for the regulation of air contaminants in the region and for managing air quality. Its Clean Air Plan includes a strategy for cutting harmful emissions from non-road equipment.

The scale of the problem

Within Metro Vancouver, there are 400,000 to 600,000 pieces of small gas-powered equipment under 19 kW (25 horsepower) used in landscaping and light industrial applications.

Some of the equipment still uses two-stroke engines, which are emission-intensive. Concerning emissions include carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, fine particulate matter and volatile organic compounds, “all of which can harm human health,” according to the report.

“This is especially a concern for vulnerable groups including children, pregnant people, seniors, and people with existing health conditions. The most common types are lawn mowers, hedge and line trimmers, leaf blowers, chain saws, and pressure washers.”

Electric versus gas

While professionals have found issue with the performance of electric equipment compared to gas-powered devices, the performance gap is closing.

“Battery-powered tools that match the performance of their gas-powered counterparts are becoming increasingly available, as manufacturers respond to both consumer demand and evolving requirements for emission-free technology,” said the report.

A technology review conducted for Metro Vancouver in 2024 found that battery-powered alternatives are more established for some categories of equipment.

Line trimmers, hedge trimmers and small lawn mowers have similar performance and cost as gas-powered counterparts for personal and professional use.

Leaf blowers and chainsaws are available for personal use but still require further development for professional needs.

Electric ride-on mowers and utility vehicles are becoming more available, although costs remain relatively high.

Specialized tools, such as pressure washers, log splitters, shredders, and augers, are the least transition ready.

The report outlined how a regulatory proposal would work. It would first phase out the use of small, gas-powered equipment over several years, starting with equipment where electric versions are comparable and working up to other ones as technology advances.