The Montgomery County Councilmembers saw the rising temperatures and said to themselves, “let’s set a record for how many individual pieces of legislation we can introduce so we can all stay inside.” And with that, we have some advocacy to do from the comfort of our homes and workplaces!
Expedited Bill 19-25, Noise Control – Leaf Removal Equipment – Seasonal Exemption
AKA allowing landscapers to use a gas-powered leaf blower during the fall (October – December) from 8 am – 8 pm, Monday through Friday.
This exemption would allow landscapers to continue using gas-powered leaf blowers in their “busy months” of the fall, despite having two years to find and invest in electric solutions. In Fall 2023, Council passed Bill 18-22, Noise Control – Leaf Removal Equipment – Amendments, which banned the sale and use of gas-powered leaf blowers. The genesis of the ban was mostly due to complaints about noise pollution, I worked for the Council at that time — you can’t imagine how many calls I got in support of this bill from people trying to work from home and were disturbed by the loud sounds of leaf blowers! However, electric leaf blowers also reduce air emissions, thereby protecting lawncare workers from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, in addition to hearing loss.
Sign up to testify at the Public Hearing on July 15 at 1:30 pm with me!
Native Plant Protection Act
AKA prohibiting the commercial sale of invasive running bamboo and requiring that at least 50% of all landscaping in new construction projects include plant species native to the Mid-Atlantic region.
FYI: This Act is comprised of two different components: a bill (Bill 26-25, Vegetation – Invasive Plants) and a Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA 25-10, Landscaping Requirements – Native Plants).
We all understand the importance of native plants to our region. Native plant species sustain biodiversity, build climate-resilient landscapes, and support wildlife. Native trees, shrubs and grasses have deep roots that protect soil from erosion, reduce runoff and flooding, and improve our air quality. The bill also states that while landowners are responsible for weeding within 100 feet of a dwelling, native plants and grasses would not be subject to weeding.
Sign up to testify at the Public Hearing for the BILL on July 22 at 1:30 pm with me!
BILL Staff Report
Sign up to testify at the Public Hearing for the ZTA on July 22 at 1:30 pm with me!
ZTA Staff Report
ZTA 25-06, Vehicle Service – Filing Stations
AKA How close a gas station can be to your home.
This is amended language to a previous bill regulating how close a gas station can be to communities, schools, streams, etc.
Nature Forward supports this amendment proposed by Councilmember Natali Fani-Gonzalez, who is concerned with the queuing that can occur at gas stations and aims to safeguard public health by protecting air quality. The ZTA passed out of committee with a less stringent setback but we need your help in advocating for the Fani-Gonzalez amendment.
Worksession starts at 1:57:00.
A public hearing was held on June 10th. No further opportunities for public engagement have been advertised. The bill will likely be heard by Full Council in late summer. Stay tuned!
Write to Your Councilmembers!
Let them know you:
- OPPOSE the Expedited Bill 19-25, Noise Control – Leaf Removal Equipment – Seasonal Exemption.
- SUPPORT the Native Plant Protection Act with amendments and language clarification.
- SUPPORT Councilmember Natali Fani-Gonzalez’s amendment to ZTA 25-06, Vehicle Service – Filing Stations.