Dallas considers paying residents to buy electric lawn equipment
- The rebate program is estimated to cost Dallas taxpayers about $24 million
- Opponents argue the program is more costly than using gas equipment
- Supporters say the program will protect environment, improve air quality
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DALLAS (NewsNation) — The city of Dallas is considering a plan to pay residents to replace their gas-powered lawn equipment with electric-powered equipment in an effort to reduce environmental pollution, save money and reduce noise.
The Dallas City Council’s Park, Trails, and the Environment Committee proposed a rebate program estimated to cost the city about $24 million, which would be pulled from the general fund.
Opponents argue the initiative isn’t effective because electric equipment costs more. For example, an electric-powered mower will cost about $500, according to data provided by the committee. However, residents who volunteer will only receive $100 for their gas-powered push lawn mowers.
Supporters believe the program will positively impact the environment and air quality.
How much money will residents receive?
The rebate program is a voluntary incentive for residents, not commercial businesses.
Residents could receive a $50 rebate on leaf blowers, trimmers and chainsaws, a $100 rebate for push lawn mowers, a $25 rebate for the replacement battery and a $200 rebate for riding mowers.
Data provided by the committee also shows that residents could break even with electric-powered equipment in about one to three years by saving the money they’d have spent on gas.
Nearly half of US states outlaw gas ban
City council members emphasized that this is not a proposed ban on gas-powered equipment.
While some states have banned gas-powered mowers, gas bans are illegal in Texas, along with at least 23 other states, including Idaho, Wyoming, Arizona, Kansas and Florida, according to a Public Interest Network report.
One of the reasons states have cited is to protect landscaping businesses that rely on gas-powered lawn equipment.
That was a potential challenge brought up in the Dallas council committee meeting this week.
“I would support any of these programs whether for residential, also for commercial, as long as it’s incentive-based,” said Dallas City Council member Chad West. “If we ever get to the point where it’s more of the stick versus the carrot, I think we’re going to take a lot more conversations because you want to make sure you’re harming folks during the transition.”
According to a 2020 Environmental Protection Agency report, one hour of mowing the lawn with a gas-powered mower emits the same amount of chemicals as driving a new car for 45 miles.
