Leaf Blower Ban In Massachusetts

Gas-powered leaf blowers will be banned in Brookline, Massachusetts during the summer and winter months. The ban will not apply to the town's park and street maintenance, nor to landowners with more than five acres to tend.

''Leaf blowers are fine, during spring and fall, when there are leaves on the ground,'' said Andrew Fischer, author of the legislation.

But otherwise, he and other proponents claimed, the blowers were a ''noise nuisance,'' emitting greenhouse gases, blowing up tiny particles of dust, dirt, dog droppings and more when a rake or broom could do the job with less impact on residents and passers-by.

If the Attorney General does not strike down the ban, it will take effect by May 15 and extend to September 15. Gas leaf-blowers can then be used until December 15. Violators can be fined between $50-200.