[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 173 (Friday, October 20, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1004]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
INTRODUCTION OF THE PROMOTING REDUCTION OF EMISSIONS THROUGH
LANDSCAPING EQUIPMENT ACT
______
HON. J. LUIS CORREA
of california
in the house of representatives
Friday, October 20, 2023
Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to introduce the
Promoting Reduction of Emissions through Landscaping Equipment Act.
This crucial legislation provides businesses with a significant tool as
they transition toward a more sustainable and consumer-friendly future.
This essential and forward-thinking piece of legislation provides a
40 percent credit on the purchase of zero-emission equipment, such as
mowers, leaf blowers, hedgers, and accessories, up to $25,000 every
year and up to $100,000 over the course of 10 consecutive years. The
tax credit, which applies to any equipment purchased on or after
January 1, 2023, also extends to retrofitting equipment that transforms
gas-powered devices to zero-emission. These credits cover batteries,
generators, retrofitting equipment, and other necessary accessories.
Currently, there are over 300 restrictions on the use of gas-powered
lawn equipment across the country, as more localities recognize the
need to transition to quieter, less polluting equipment. The bill will
assist local businesses as they adapt to local ordinances and consumer
demand for better, cleaner, and quieter equipment while reducing their
costs over time through lower maintenance expenses and reduced reliance
on fossil fuels. Moreover, the bill is compatible with local and state
voucher and rebate programs for zero-emission equipment like the
programs in my home State of California.
Current gas-powered equipment emits pollutants, including nitrogen
oxides (NOX), carbon dioxide (CO2), reactive
organic gases (ROG), and particulate matter that negatively impact the
climate, air quality, ecosystems, and are potentially harmful to human
health, especially for the workers who operate the equipment. These
appliances generate significant noise pollution that can damage human
hearing, disturb wildlife, and interfere with life and work. Replacing
gas-powered equipment with zero-emission equipment would improve air
quality, reduce noise pollution, and protect operators of the equipment
from hearing loss and other potentially negative health effects.
I am also very proud to share that this legislation has garnered
widespread support from numerous national, state, and regional
organizations, including industry, environmental, and health-focused
groups. The National Association of Landscape Professionals, American
Lung Association, Environmental Defense Fund, Earthjustice, the Asthma
and Allergy Foundation of America, Sierra Club, American Green Zone
Alliance, California Landscape Contractors Association, California
Alliance for Golf, California Golf Course Owners Association, Golf
Course Superintendents Association of Northern California, Golf Course
Superintendents Association of Southern California, Golf Course
Superintendents Association of America, and AmericanHort, California
Landscape Contractors Association, California Alliance for Golf,
California Golf Course Owners Association, Golf Course Superintendents
Association of Northern California, Golf Course Superintendents
Association of Southern California, Colorado Nursery & Greenhouse
Association, Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association, Georgia
Urban Ag Council, Georgia Green Industry Association, Idaho Nursery and
Landscape Association, Illinois Landscape Contractors Association,
Kansas Nursery and Landscape Association, Louisiana Nursery and
Landscape Association, Maine Landscape and Nursery Association,
Maryland Nursery, Landscape, and Greenhouse Association, Massachusetts
Nursery and Landscape Association, Inc., Michigan Green Industry
Association, Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association, Montana
Nursery & Landscape Association, New Jersey Landscape Contractors
Association, New Jersey Nursery & Landscape Association, New York State
Nursery and Landscape Association, NorCal Sports Field Management
Association, Ohio Green Industry Association, Oregon Association of
Nurseries, Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association, Virginia
Nursery & Landscape Association, Washington Association of Landscape
Professionals, Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association, West
Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association, Wisconsin Landscape
Contractors Association. These endorsements underscore the importance
and benefit of this bill in advancing the transition to sustainable
equipment.
This bill isn't just about supporting the growth of our landscaping
businesses; it exemplifies our commitment to a smooth, realistic
transition towards more sustainable, consumer-friendly, and
environmentally-responsible business practices. This legislation is a
win for local businesses, the environment, and our health.
I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this crucial
initiative.