What is the current ban?

The state mandate that bans the use of gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment took effect June 1 of this year. It applies to state-owned equipment of 25 horsepower or less, and to federal and local governments, including special districts, using equipment of less than 10 horsepower.

Which months does the ban apply?

The ban, imposed as Regulation 29 by the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission, is effective only between June 1 and August 31 in the EPA designated ozone non-attainment zone comprising eight counties, including Jefferson, Boulder, Larimer, Denver, Jefferson, Douglas, Arapahoe, Adams and Weld. These areas have had seasonal problems with high ozone levels for decades, which have led policymakers to increasingly adopt state regulations to try to reduce summertime ozone.

What else is required?

In addition to the ban, the state imposed a mandatory yearly reporting requirement that includes detailed lists of all state, federal and local government equipment that uses, or even potentially uses, small internal combustion engines, including “documentation demonstrating the circumstances requiring the use of such equipment.”

Does the ban apply to residential use?

No. The mandate is not imposed on residential use. In addition to government-owned equipment, the regulation applies to equipment used by commercial operators who contract with state, local and federal government agencies operating in the nonattainment zone. It also applies to all state agencies and their contractors statewide.

What is the criticism against the ban?

Brian Meinert, a second-generation owner of JRM Landscape and Design in Littleton, told The Denver Gazette in 2023 that he can’t afford to replace his fleet of equipment.

“We can’t afford to completely overhaul our small equipment fleet right now, and if we did, our prices would go up four or 500%, which then just passes the buck on to our customers and to their customers and just makes the cost of living in Colorado skyrocket,” Meinert said.

What is the argument in support of the ban?

Proponents of the ban say that small gasoline engines emit a disproportionate share of air pollutants and that electric lawn equipment is now a viable replacement. 

According to a 2023 report by the CoPIRG Foundation, “in the United States, lawn and garden equipment powered by gasoline and other fossil fuels released more than 30 million tons of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere in 2020.”

CoPIRG also says that electric lawn equipment may have a higher initial price tag but that lower operating costs saves money over time, with the payback for lawnmowers occurring in as little as one to three years.

Is a ban on privately-owned gas fired powered equipment coming?

The AQCC does not currently regulate individual, non-commercial use of gas-powered equipment.

The AQCC will be reconsidering Rule 29 on Nov. 19-21 and April 15-16, 2026. Those hearings may include considering expanding the use restriction to commercial operators and neighborhood landscapers doing work for the private sector, as well as consideration of a sales prohibition on gas-powered equipment.