Heinrich, Butler Introduce Legislation to Help Local Small Businesses Transition to Clean and Efficient Landscaping Equipment

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the co-founder and co-chair of the Bicameral Electrification Caucus, and U.S. Senator Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.) introduced legislation to establish a new federal tax credit to enable local small businesses, including landscaping and lawn care businesses, to transition to zero-emission equipment more easily and without financial burden.

Transitioning to zero-emission, electric landscaping equipment-such as mowers, leaf blowers, snow blowers, and hedgers-reduces noise pollution, protects landscape workers' health, improves local air quality, and reduces landscaping companies' reliance on gas and diesel fuels, which are subject to major price spikes.

According to a 2023 Environment America report, electric appliances save money over time due to their lower fuel and maintenance costs - usually paying back the initial investment in only one to three years. Electric lawn care equipment is also quieter and produces less vibration, making it safer and healthier to operate.

"Small businesses are the backbone of our economy in New Mexico. And right now, they're getting hit by rising costs," said Heinrich. "I'm proud to introduce this legislation to ease the financial burden on small businesses through a tax cut to purchase new zero-emission equipment. By helping businesses transition to electric lawn care equipment, we're protecting workers' health, reducing pollution, and growing our economy of the future."

"Landscaping and lawn care businesses across California have an opportunity to help our environment, while also benefiting financially," said Butler. "This bill would move us away from the loud, pollution-filled landscaping machines we are used to and more towards our national climate goals while giving small businesses a financial boost."

Specifically, the Promoting Reduction of Emissions through Landscaping Equipment Act would:

• Amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to establish a tax credit for local small businesses, including landscaping and lawn care businesses, to help businesses recoup the difference in costs from purchasing zero-emission equipment.
• Provide a 40% tax credit on the purchase of zero-emission equipment, such as mowers, leaf blowers, hedgers, and accessories up to $25,000 every year and up to $100,000 over the course of 10 consecutive years.
• Apply the new tax credit to any equipment purchased on or after January 1, 2023, also extend to retrofitting equipment that transforms gas-powered devices to zero-emission machines.

U.S. Representative Lou Correa (D-Calif.) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives in October 2023.

"When I first introduced this legislation in the House, I did so to make sure that small business owners in our community would not be left behind as we continue our transition toward cleaner, greener energy sources," said Correa. "Many of these small businesses are firms with just one owner and a handful of employees right here on Main Street-who don't have the financial wiggle room to leave behind their gas- and diesel-powered equipment. They desperately need our support, and I'm honored to have Senator Heinrich join me in this fight-to turn these small businesses into leaders of the green economy transition, lower costs for working families, and ensure clean air for our children."

A one-page summary of the Promoting Reduction of Emissions through Landscaping Equipment Act is here.

The full text of the bill is here.

Support for Promoting Reduction of Emissions through Landscaping Equipment Act

The Promoting Reduction of Emissions through Landscaping Equipment Act has been endorsed by the National Association of Landscape Professionals, American Lung Association, Environmental Defense Fund, Earthjustice, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Sierra Club, American Green Zone Alliance, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, AmericanHort, New Mexico Sustainable Businesses, and the Santa Fe Green Chamber of Commerce.

"The Promoting Reduction of Emissions through Landscaping Equipment Act is a pivotal step towards a greener future, offering vital support to a great many businesses in their transition to zero-emission equipment. By providing a 40% tax credit on the purchase of electric powered equipment, this legislation benefits not only landscaping and lawn care businesses but also other enterprises with extensive grounds like hotels and multi-family housing, promoting sustainability across various industries. It's a win-win solution that benefits our environment, promotes sustainability, and supports the health and well-being of our communities. This will incentivize businesses like our members who strive to do business better, thank you for this effort Senator Heinrich," said Glenn Schiffbauer, Executive Director, New Mexico Sustainable Business/Santa Fe Green Chamber of Commerce.

"The National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) represents the lawn and landscape industry at the local, state, and federal level. As landscape professionals we care about our environment and our communities; we dedicate our work to creating and maintaining beautiful and beneficial landscapes. We applaud Senator Heinrich for introducing the senate version of Promoting Reduction of Emissions Through Landscaping Equipment Act which creates a federal tax credit to enable local businesses, including landscaping and lawn care businesses of all sizes, to transition to zero-emission equipment more easily and without financial burden," said Andrew Bray, Senior Vice President of Government Relations and Membership, National Association of Landscape Professionals.

"By incentivizing small businesses to move to quieter, zero-emission lawnmowers, leaf blowers and other small machinery, small businesses, communities and our climate can all win. Sen. Heinrich's legislation will help protect the health of landscaping workers, homeowners and tenants by reducing harmful pollution from lawn equipment", said Joanna Slaney, AVP Political Affairs, Environmental Defense Fund.

"Transitioning to zero-emission landscaping equipment is not only a win for our environment but also for the health and well-being of our communities. Gasoline-powered landscaping equipment contributes to air pollution and poses risks for individuals with asthma and allergies, especially folks who work with these tools every day. The Promoting Reduction of Emissions through Landscaping Equipment Act will help businesses transition to cleaner alternatives, protecting both public health and the environment. This legislation will ease the transition to low-emission equipment, incentivize businesses to make the switch, and lead to cleaner air and a more sustainable future for all. By supporting the transition to zero-emission equipment, we can improve air quality and reduce health disparities. We applaud Senator Heinrich for his leadership on this critical issue," said Xavier Boatright, Deputy Legislative Director, Sierra Club.

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