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Virginia lawmakers have delayed one proposal that would let some local governments regulate or ban gas-powered leaf blowers, but a companion bill remains alive in the General Assembly.
The House Committee on Counties, Cities and Towns voted Friday, Jan. 30, to defer Del. Rip Sullivan’s measure until the 2027 session. The decision followed a subcommittee recommendation made a day earlier.
Companion legislation from Sen. Saddam Azlan Salim remains before the Senate Committee on Local Government. Even if it clears the Senate, it could face the same yearlong delay in the House of Delegates.
Neither bill would directly ban gas-powered leaf blowers. Instead, the legislation would give qualifying localities the option to prohibit or restrict their use.
The authority would apply only in jurisdictions with at least 2,500 residents per square mile, a density threshold met by Northern Virginia localities.
During the Jan. 29 subcommittee hearing, Sullivan emphasized that his proposal would leave the ultimate decision to local officials.
“It does not ban leaf blowers,” Sullivan said. “This bill simply allows localities to regulate leaf blowers if they decide to do so. It doesn’t tell localities to do anything.”
Margaret McKelvey of Quiet Clean Northern Virginia supported the measure, arguing that gas-powered leaf blowers harm public health and the environment, particularly in densely populated areas.
Opponents included the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, Virginia Manufacturers Association, Apartment and Office Building Association of Metropolitan Washington, and Virginia Agribusiness Council.
Katelyn Jordan, representing the Farm Bureau, warned that the legislation could open the door to state restrictions on other gas-powered equipment used by farmers and rural residents.
Sullivan maintained that the proposal was narrowly written and concerned local authority.
“This is simply a local issue,” he said. “We ought to let localities decide it.”
The full committee ultimately included the measure in a group of bills being held until 2027.
Northern Virginia governments have taken different approaches to gas-powered lawn equipment. Alexandria approved a ban through its noise ordinance following an 18-month transition period.
Vienna officials recently rejected a proposal to further tighten noise rules specifically for lawn equipment. Leaders in Fairfax and Falls Church have been reluctant to proceed until the legality of a complete ban is clearer.
Fairfax County has been phasing out gas-powered leaf blowers in government operations but has not pursued broad restrictions on private use.
Herndon Charter Changes Advance
A separate proposal giving the Herndon Town Council greater flexibility when choosing future town managers has advanced from a House committee.
Del. Irene Shin’s bill would remove the town charter requirement that Herndon’s manager live within town boundaries. Residency could instead be addressed by council members during contract negotiations.
The House Committee on Counties, Cities and Towns approved the measure 21-0 on Jan. 30, sending it to the full House of Delegates.
The legislation also clarifies the council’s authority to appoint the town manager and town attorney and allows the manager to employ deputies or assistants for those offices.
Other changes would eliminate outdated charter language, including references to the Town of Herndon School Board, which was consolidated with the Fairfax County School Board in 1922.
The Herndon Town Council appointed Daniel Hoffman as town manager last September. He succeeded Bill Ashton, who resigned in September 2024 to accept a position in Stafford County.