New Illinois bill would make gas leaf blowers illegal

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WGEM) — A Senate bill in Illinois would ban the use or sale of gas-powered leaf blowers in the state.

SB3313 filed last week by Senator Laura Fine (D) of the 9th Senate District amends the Environmental Protection Act. It states that "a person may not operate or sell at retail a gas-powered leaf blower in the State. Provides that a person who violates the amendatory Act's provisions shall be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $500."

The bill lists environmental and noise pollution as the reasons for the ban.