PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — The Providence City Council’s attempt to ban gas-powered leaf blowers has some local landscapers concerned.

Councilors approved the citywide ban in its first of two votes on the proposal. The ordinance would require residents and landscapers to use electric equipment instead.

Those in favor of the measure argue that gas-powered leaf blowers contribute to noise pollution and produce gases that exacerbate the climate crisis. The ordinance was introduced by Councilor Sue AnderBois.

"The goal of this as we discussed before is to address the noise pollution in our city ... and address the carbon emissions and other forms of environmental degradation that come from gas leaf blowers," AnderBois explained.

Ethan Hattoy, manager of Hattoy's Nursery Garden and Landscapi

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