Last Thursday, the Valley Air District exchanged nearly two hundred FREE zero-emission, electric Stihl lawnmowers with residents of Lamont and Arvin who turned in their old polluting gas-powered lawnmowers. The event is part of the District’s Assembly Bill (AB) 617 implementation, which aims to reduce air pollution and improve the quality of life for the residents of Arvin/Lamont communities.
“Hosting a lawnmower exchange event for Arvin and Lamont residents is more than just an opportunity to upgrade equipment—it's a vital step toward enhancing this community's quality of life. By providing access to cleaner, more efficient yard tools, we are not only helping to create a healthier environment but also empowering our neighbors to contribute to improving air quality,” stated Samir Sheikh, Executive Director and Air Pollution Control Officer of the Valley Air District.
The Arvin/Lamont AB 617 Community Steering Committee (CSC)—comprised of residents, local organizations, local businesses, and other community stakeholders working with the District—developed and are implementing clean air strategies to reduce air pollution emissions and exposure. As a part of their adopted Community Emission Reduction Program, the CSC prioritized reducing NOx and PM2.5 emissions from residential lawn and garden equipment by replacing existing gas-powered lawnmowers with battery-powered zero-emission models. These small older gas-powered engines lack emission controls and emit considerably more pollutants than newer passenger vehicles. Statistically, one gas lawnmower emits as much pollution as 12 late-model cars running for the same duration.
The District’s Clean Green Yard Machines program offers a 100% rebate on electric lawnmowers (with a gas mower trade-in) to any resident living within the Arvin/Lamont AB 617 community boundary, while funding is available. Additionally, Valley residents living outside the AB 617 community boundaries can receive a rebate up to $250 off the purchase price for a new electric lawn mower(with a gas mower trade-in). Finally, the program offers rebates up to $50 off the purchase of a variety of lawn care equipment (edgers, trimmers, chainsaws, pole saws and lawnmowers) without old equipment needing to be destroyed.
For questions, email: grants@valleyair.org, or call a District office in Fresno (559-230-6000), Modesto (209-557-6400) or Bakersfield (661-392-5500).
