SB 319 would ban the sale of gas powered leaf blowers in Connecticut by 2029 and prohibit their use statewide by 2030. We oppose this bill because it creates a statewide equipment mandate while using electric ratepayer money to subsidize the transition.
The bill directs funding from the Public Benefits Charge on electric bills to help finance battery powered lawn equipment. This charge is already included in utility bills to fund various state programs. Expanding it again means households and businesses would pay more on their electric bills to support the equipment transition.
Even residents who do not own lawn equipment could end up paying for these subsidies through higher utility costs. At a time when Connecticut already has high electricity prices, shifting more policy costs onto ratepayers increases affordability pressures. Lawmakers should avoid expanding charges on electric bills to fund new mandates.
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