In the battle over leaf blowers, the city of Dallas is considering an incentive plan to get residents to buy electric lawn equipment over gas-powered varieties. The incentive plan is estimated to cost the city $24 million while saving the average household $200. The idea is that the city would offer either a discount or a rebate to people who purchase electric lawn equipment instead of gas-powered.
Residents could receive a $50 rebate on electric leaf blowers and edgers, a $100 rebate on lawn mowers and a $200 rebate on riding mowers. City leaders expect 3,500 households to take advantage of the rebates. The price tag is $ 24 million. The money for the program is already set aside for this purpose in the budget. It might include an additional $50 for people who turn in gas-powered equipment. Councilwoman Carolyn King Arnold pointed out the need to closely monitor a program like that.