TO:
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THROUGH:
Talyn Mirzakhanian, City Manager
FROM:
Masa Alkire, Community Development Director
Britny Coker-Moen, Environmental Programs Administrator
SUBJECT:Title
Consideration of the South Coast Air Quality Management District Electric Lawn and Garden Equipment Program (No Budget Impact) (Community Development Director Alkire).
(Estimated Time: 30 Mins.)
DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION
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RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the City Council discuss and provide direction to staff regarding next steps, if any.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
There are no fiscal implications associated with the recommended action; however, depending on direction from City Council, staff time and resources may be expended to accommodate the request.
BACKGROUND:
At the May 6, 2025, City Council meeting, the City Council approved a request by Councilmember Franklin and Councilmember Tarnay, with a third vote by Councilmember Charelian, to discuss the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) Electric Lawn and Garden Equipment Program.
Gasoline- and diesel-powered lawn and garden equipment emit smog-producing pollutants, contributing to local and regional air pollution. According to the California Air Resources Board (CARB), running a gasoline-powered lawn mower for one hour produces similar emissions to the average car driving 300 miles. Residential and commercial lawn and garden equipment make up 69 percent of small off-road engines (spark-ignition engines rated at or below 19 kilowatts). As of 2021, emissions from small off-road engines already exceeded emissions from light-duty passenger vehicles. Emissions from these engines are projected to rise to nearly double those produced by passenger vehicles by 2031, according to CARB.
DISCUSSION:
South Coast AQMD is the regulatory agency responsible for controlling emissions to improve air quality and protect the health...
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