Known for his strong environmental activism, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis has signed an executive order banning the use of gasoline powered lawn mowers at state facilities and that includes the State Capitol grounds.
Under his order, gas-powered lawn and garden equipment will be phased out and replaced with electric equipment by June 2025. The equipment includes leaf blowers and weed whackers. The Denver Gazette reported the order also calls for the replacement of grass lawns with landscaping that doesn’t require as much water.
““We are doubling down on our commitment to lead the way in reducing pollution. We are doing our part to save people money, protect water and our planet,” Polis said. “Colorado is leading the nation on common sense ways to reduce pollution and ensure Colorado can thrive.”
The Governor wants Colorado to be 100% renewable energy focused by 2040.
Using a gas-powered push lawn mower for one hour emits as much pollution as 11 cars, and a riding mower emits as much as 34 cars, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The Governor pointed to the EPA’s contentionthat using a gas-powered push lawn mower for one hour is equivalent to the pollution of 11 cars. A riding mower reportedly emits as much pollution as that from 34 cars.
