[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.