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Key Considerations Staff conducted extensive research in formulating and considering the scope of the draft ordinance, including the issues of equipment availability, environmental and health benefits, noise, costs/financial impacts, and enforcement. A summary of the key findings of that research is provided below. Availability and Use Zero Emission Equipment (ZEE), including plug-in and battery-powered models, is now widely available, and both technology and availability has seen rapid advancement in recent years. As of 2021 , there were at least 35 different manufacturers of ZEE for residential-grade equipment, and for professional-grade equipment at least 12 different manufacturers. While current residential use of ZEE equipment is relatively high (an estimated 59 percent of residential-owned equipment is now ZEE), uptake is much lower among commercial users, likely due to the higher costs of replacing equipment. The CARB regulations due to take effect in 2024 will help accelerate the transition to ZEE. Most local jurisdictions surveyed by staff (including Pleasanton) operate very few ZEE in their current fleets, although more are beginning to transition. As discussed below, phasing out and replacing gas-powered equipment has some initial costs, but these are somewhat balanced by lower operational and maintenance costs. Health and Environmental Effects. Gas-powered leaf blowers have been documented to have several detrimental effects on the environment. According to CARB, emission impacts of SORE are significant.. one hour of commercial gas-powered leaf blower is estimated to emit the same smog- forming pollution comparable to driving a passenger car 1,100 miles, and one hour of gasoline lawn mower use emits as much smog-forming pollution as driving a passenger car 300 miles. If left unregulated, CARB estimates by 2031, SORE caused smog- forming emissions will be more than twice those from passenger vehicles. Emissions from SORE also have health impacts, particularly associated with aggravation of respiratory conditions. Noise The City receives periodic complaints from residents about noise from leaf blowers and landscape equipment; complaints increased during the COVID pandemic as more people stayed home and were exposed to noise during daytime hours. Pleasanton's noise regulations, as outlined in the Pleasanton Municipal Code Chapter 9.04, apply to landscaping equipment like leaf blowers, setting a 60 dBA noise limit outside residential property lines. Pleasanton's regulations also specify quieter hours between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. on Sundays and holidays (see PMC 9.04.070) to address noise-related issues. Most leaf blowers, especially gas-powered ones, exceed this limit, sometimes reaching over 100 dBA, while electric models are somewhat quieter, ranging from 60-70 dBA. Despite the transition to electric leaf blowers, noise remains a concern, particularly during early morning hours. In response to such nuisances, some cities have established specific usage hours or banned gas-powered leaf blowers. Costs When comparing the costs of electric and gasoline-powered leaf blowers, it's essential to consider both upfront and operational expenses. Electric leaf blowers tend to have a Page 3 of 7