Introduction of the Promoting Reduction of Emissions Through Landscaping Equipment Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to introduce the Promoting Reduction of Emissions through Landscaping Equipment Act. This crucial legislation provides businesses with a significant tool as they transition toward a more sustainable and consumer-friendly future.

This essential and forward-thinking piece of legislation provides a 40 percent credit on the purchase of zero-emission equipment, such as mowers, leaf blowers, hedgers, and accessories, up to $25,000 every year and up to $100,000 over the course of 10 consecutive years. The tax credit, which applies to any equipment purchased on or after January 1, 2023, also extends to retrofitting equipment that transforms gas-powered devices to zero-emission. These credits cover batteries, generators, retrofitting equipment, and other necessary accessories.

Currently, there are over 300 restrictions on the use of gas-powered lawn equipment across the country, as more localities recognize the need to transition to quieter, less polluting equipment. The bill will assist local businesses as they adapt to local ordinances and consumer demand for better, cleaner, and quieter equipment while reducing their costs over time through lower maintenance expenses and reduced reliance on fossil fuels. Moreover, the bill is compatible with local and state voucher and rebate programs for zero-emission equipment like the programs in my home State of California.

Current gas-powered equipment emits pollutants, including nitrogen oxides (NOX), carbon dioxide (CO2), reactive organic gases (ROG), and particulate matter that negatively impact the climate, air quality, ecosystems, and are potentially harmful to human health, especially for the workers who operate the equipment. These appliances generate significant noise pollution that can damage human hearing, disturb wildlife, and interfere with life and work. Replacing gas-powered equipment with zero-emission equipment would improve air quality, reduce noise pollution, and protect operators of the equipment from hearing loss and other potentially negative health effects.

I am also very proud to share that this legislation has garnered widespread support from numerous national, state, and regional organizations, including industry, environmental, and health-focused groups. The National Association of Landscape Professionals, American Lung Association, Environmental Defense Fund, Earthjustice, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Sierra Club, American Green Zone Alliance, California Landscape Contractors Association, California Alliance for Golf, California Golf Course Owners Association, Golf Course Superintendents Association of Northern California, Golf Course Superintendents Association of Southern California, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, and AmericanHort, California Landscape Contractors Association, California Alliance for Golf, California Golf Course Owners Association, Golf Course Superintendents Association of Northern California, Golf Course Superintendents Association of Southern California, Colorado Nursery & Greenhouse Association, Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association, Georgia Urban Ag Council, Georgia Green Industry Association, Idaho Nursery and Landscape Association, Illinois Landscape Contractors Association, Kansas Nursery and Landscape Association, Louisiana Nursery and Landscape Association, Maine Landscape and Nursery Association, Maryland Nursery, Landscape, and Greenhouse Association, Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association, Inc., Michigan Green Industry Association, Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association, Montana Nursery & Landscape Association, New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association, New Jersey Nursery & Landscape Association, New York State Nursery and Landscape Association, NorCal Sports Field Management Association, Ohio Green Industry Association, Oregon Association of Nurseries, Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association, Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association, Washington Association of Landscape Professionals, Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association, West Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association, Wisconsin Landscape Contractors Association. These endorsements underscore the importance and benefit of this bill in advancing the transition to sustainable equipment.

This bill isn't just about supporting the growth of our landscaping businesses; it exemplifies our commitment to a smooth, realistic transition towards more sustainable, consumer-friendly, and environmentally-responsible business practices. This legislation is a win for local businesses, the environment, and our health.

I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this crucial initiative.

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