Key Findings
- House Bill 1868 would ban the sale of new outdoor gas-powered equipment after January 1, 2026, that is rated at 25 horsepower or less.
- House Bill 1868 will drive up the cost of lawn maintenance equipment for everyone.
- Electric outdoor equipment has limited capacity and power compared to a gas powered equivalent.
- Landscaping and commercial companies would have a significant capital expenditure as they replace aging gas-powered equipment.
- Landscaping companies may need to lay off workers to offset the additional costs.
- The bill would create a sales tax exemption for electric yard equipment.
- Local government is exempt during times of emergencies.
- A grant program would reimburse local governments for replacing gas-powered equipment. Private citizens, however, would bear the full cost.
Introduction
House Bill 1868 (HB 1868) would prohibit engine exhaust and evaporative emissions from new outdoor power equipment. The rules would apply to gas-powered equipment produced on or after January 1, 2026, rated at 25 horsepower or lower. The ban would include most outdoor yard equipment and many popular riding lawnmowers.
The bill would exempt government agencies during an emergency. HB 1868 would create a grant program to cover the cost to local government of replacing working condition gas-powered equipment. Private citizens, however, would bear the full cost.
Private citizens would also be subject to the law’s harsh penalties, which include jailtime or a significant fine.
A sales tax exemption would be created for electric yard equipment, funded by transferring funds from the climate commitment account.
Retailers would be encouraged to add information stickers to gas-powered equipment and the sales tax exemption on electric equivalent equipment.
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