The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) has expanded its Residential Electric Lawn & Garden Equipment Rebate Program, offering residents rebates for replacing not just gas mowers but also other gasoline-powered tools with electric versions. Program Expansion On Friday, AQMD officials announced that residents in the South Coast Air Basin can now receive rebates […]
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) has expanded its Residential Electric Lawn & Garden Equipment Rebate Program, offering residents rebates for replacing not just gas mowers but also other gasoline-powered tools with electric versions.
Program Expansion
On Friday, AQMD officials announced that residents in the South Coast Air Basin can now receive rebates for electric leaf blowers, trimmers (including weed whackers, edgers, and brush cutters), and chainsaws. The rebate provides up to $250 for each eligible piece of equipment purchased from authorized retailers, with a limit of three items per person.
Environmental Impact
“Using a gas-powered lawn mower for just one hour emits the same amount of pollution as a road trip from Los Angeles to Las Vegas,” said South Coast AQMD Executive Officer Wayne Nastri. “By expanding the program, we hope more residents will switch to electric lawn and garden equipment, reducing their carbon footprint and improving air quality.”
The program, initially launched in 2017 to cover lawn mowers, has led to significant emission reductions in the South Coast Air Basin—approximately 1.4 tons per year of volatile organic compounds and 0.28 tons per year of nitrogen oxides.
How the Rebate Works
Rebates are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To qualify, the old gasoline equipment must be destroyed at a certified scrapper. The new equipment must be cordless and include a battery and charger.
Applications for the rebates can be submitted online through South Coast AQMD, the agency responsible for regulating air quality in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties, including the Coachella Valley.
Commercial Incentives Available
In addition to the residential program, AQMD offers a Commercial Electric Lawn & Garden Equipment Incentive & Exchange Program, which provides up to an 85% discount for commercial gardeners and landscapers.
For more details on the expanded Residential Electric Lawn & Garden Equipment Rebate Program, visit www.aqmd.gov/lawnmower. For questions, you can email lawngarden@aqmd.gov or call 888-425-6247.
