Colorado Regulators not to ban sales of gas-powered lawn and garden equipment – for now.

Colorado regulators have tiptoed towards new limits on gas-powered lawn and garden equipment, opting against an outright ban on sales – at least for now.

The decision by the commission responsible for controlling air pollution has drawn criticism from local governments and air quality advocates who had pushed for more stringent oppressive measures.

The Air Quality Control Commission, comprising of eight members appointed by the governor, deferred a final decision on how to regulate gas-powered lawn and garden equipment. However, it appears unlikely, as of now, that a sales prohibition will be part of the state's future plan.

Following three days of intense debate, the commission provided preliminary approval to rules that restrict public entities, such as local governments, school districts, and state-owned properties, from using smaller gas-powered tools during the summer starting in 2025.

However, the commission rejected a proposal to ban Front Range retailers from selling handheld gas-powered tools and decided against imposing additional regulations on commercial landscapers.

While these rules represent Colorado's most aggressive effort to address pollution caused by gas-powered equipment, regulators have emphasized a "soft enforcement strategy." This approach means that violators will not face fines or penalties for failing to transition to electric alternatives.

The new regulations come as the state grapples with strategies to reduce ground-level ozone levels in the Front Range region, which encompasses nine counties. Last year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency labeled the region a "severe" air quality violator for consistently failing to meet federal health standards for over a decade.

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Critics argue that the decision falls short of the ambitious proposals put forth by some local governments and air quality advocates. By not imposing a sales prohibition, the commission has opted to prioritize personal choice and market forces over government mandates.

In a 5-3 vote, the commission decided against regulating commercial landscapers. However, they have committed to revisiting the issue in the future.

The draft regulation also includes provisions for a potential rulemaking hearing by the end of 2025 to consider regulations specifically for commercial lawn care companies. The state's air quality division has been directed to monitor the sales of electric lawn care tools and reconsider restrictions if the market does not sufficiently shift away from fossil fuels.