Ahead of first Landscapers Appreciation Day, Newsom vetoes bill to support purchase of electric equipment

Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill on Saturday that would have provided vouchers to help landscapers cover the cost of the transition to electric equipment and comply with California’s climate goals.

Assembly Bill 2635 would have directed local air districts to implement a commercial voucher program to support the purchase of small zero-emission, electric off-road equipment including lawnmowers and leaf blowers. Newsom’s veto came just one day before California’s first ever “Landscapers Appreciation Day.”

“Despite the difficult circumstances and low wages, landscapers continue working daily. What keeps them going is pride for their work and their families, to keep their families fed and housed and given opportunities in their future,” Sen. María Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles) said in August before the Senate voted to pass SR 132, marking Sept. 21 as Landscapers Appreciation Day.

“Today, we show respect for their contributions to our environment and to our communities,” Durazo said at the time.

In 2024, the Legislature passed AB 1346, officially phasing out gas-powered lawn equipment. Since then, stores have been prohibited from selling new gas-powered equipment. Gas equipment can still be used statewide, but heavy wear-and-tear from using the machinery every day means new equipment must be purchased at least every few years.

Although there isn’t a statewide ban on using gas-powered lawn equipment, over 60 cities and towns do have strict restrictions on the gear, the bill’s author, Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez (D-San Fernando Valley) argued during a July bill hearing.

“For landscapers, it's not just a job. It's economic opportunity…” Rodriguez said. “This bill showcases that they're not trying to opt out of our clean air goals. They want a chance to help meet them.”

Under AB 2635, air quality management districts would have been required to implement the voucher program by Jan. 1, 2028. The move would have helped landscapers, a largely-immigrant workforce, comply with the state’s climate regulations and transition to the often-costly electric equipment.

“Small off-road engines are a significant source of harmful air pollution, particularly in communities already burdened by poor air quality,” Newsom wrote in his veto message. 

“While I share the author’s goal of helping marginalized communities transition to zero-emission equipment, this bill duplicates existing state and local air district programs.” 

Ahead of the state’s first appreciation day for its landscapers, the City of Pasadena passed its own resolution formally proclaiming Sept. 21 as Landscapers Appreciation Day.

Landscapers and advocates will gather at the Pasadena Community Job Center Monday night to celebrate both the state and city’s inaugural appreciation day, though the celebration will also be marked by disappointment in the governor’s veto, advocates said.

Landscapers will be joined by AB 2635 co-sponsors including the National Day Laborer Organizing Network, California Immigrant Policy Center and Inclusive Action for the City.

The gathering will take place at the center from 6-8 p.m.