(Arizona News Connection) Arizonans who transition to cleaner electric-powered lawn and garden equipment can help mitigate the noise as well as the harmful fumes produced from gas-powered tools. A new report shows in 2020 gas-powered lawn and gardening tools in the U.S. released more than 30 million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. 

Diane Brown, executive director of the Arizona PIRG Education Fund, said Arizona alone emitted an estimated 330 tons of fine particulates into the air. To put that into perspective, that amount is equivalent to the pollution from over 3.5 million cars. She added these tiny particles cause millions of premature deaths each year and are also responsible for health problems like cancer, reproductive ailments and mental health problems. 

"Arizona households and commercial entities can wack away at air pollution by switching to electric lawn equipment that is capable. affordable, cleaner, quieter and readily available," Brown explained. 

Brown added while electric lawn equipment can sometimes have a higher initial price tag, she contends money can actually be saved overtime due to lower fuel and maintenance costs. 

Financial assistance is available for residents in Pima
and Maricopa Counties through a partnership with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. Large commercial grade lawn mowers can also qualify for the EV tax credit through the Inflation Reduction Act. 

Brown said gas-powered gardening equipment emit numerous toxic chemicals, which many times are used in close proximity to homes, and added Arizona residents and commercial groups who live outside Pima and Maricopa Counties should call on policy makers to expand the ADEQ partnership. She said local and state governments and institutions can also do their part, leading through example by adopting electric lawn equipment. 

"Policymakers should incentivize lawn and consumer products that shift from gas to electric to save consumers money, protect air quality, and promote public health," she continued. 

The group is asking Arizonans in support of phasing out gas powered lawn equipment to send messages to Governor Katie Hobbs to advocate for cleaner air.