PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPERS AND GARDENERS HELP CLEAR THE AIR
Exchange Program Created for Low-Emission, Low-Noise Leaf Blowers in California

Press Contacts:
Anita Gambill (757) 486-9151 or
Terry Kelley (757) 340-7425
All other inquiries:
STIHL Incorporated
(757) 486-9100

Virginia Beach, VA California has long been on the leading edge of emission and sound regulation reform. The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) in California has just completed the states first blower incentive program, meeting their goal of exchanging 1,500 high-emission, backpack leaf blowers used by professional gardeners and landscapers with the new low-emission, low-noise STIHL 4-MIX® BR 500 model. Seven exchange events were held in February and March, in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

The AQMD estimates that by scrapping 1,500 old blowers and replacing them with low-emission STIHL blowers, the program will reduce at least 14 tons per year of smog-forming emissions. In addition, leaf blowers have been a frequent source of controversy due to their sound and tendency to create suspension of dust in the air.

“I worked for three years on legislation in California to help prevent the ban on gasoline-powered leaf blowers. I am thrilled that the AQMD initiated this program that benefits our communities and the lawn care companies who care for them,” said Barbara Alvarez of Golden State Landscaping, Inc. and the California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) board of directors. “Its great to have the AQMD, STIHL, and the end user all on the same page.”

The blowers in the exchange program, manufactured by STIHL Inc., are nearly four times cleaner than the California Air Resources Boards most stringent standard for new blowers. And, STIHL's BR 500 gasoline-powered blowers are among the quietest available, rated at 65 dB(A), measured per ANSI B 175.2 standards. Based on information from the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, the sound level of a leaf blower (as the human ear would hear it) decreases by 50 percent for each 6 dB(A) reduction; therefore, STIHL's BR 500 is 50% quieter than a more common 71 dB(A) leaf blower.

“Technology advancements over the past several years have significantly reduced emission levels,” said Dan Skinner, branch manager for Pacific STIHL. “We are pleased to be sharing the STIHL 4-MIX® engine, which offers some of the cleanest technology currently available.”

At each exchange event, STIHL representatives trained gardeners and landscapers in the proper use of the blowers to minimize noise and suspension of dustand distributed brochures and DVDs for proper use training.

Professionals could trade in up to ten old, working backpack blowers and pay just $200 per STIHL BR 500 backpack blowers, valued at $460 suggested retail each. The program was funded by $225,000 from AQMDs Air Quality Investment Program, which is financed by Southland companies that pay a fee in lieu of offering rideshare incentives as required by AQMDs Rule 2202. According to the AQMD, the leaf blower exchange program will reduce more emissions than would be achieved by an employer rideshare program. AQMD is the air pollution control agency for Orange County and major portions of Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties.

Events were held at the following Southern California locations:

• Toros Lawn Mower Center, 3238 Foothill Blvd., La Crescenta, CA.
• Lawn Mower Center, 1690 Main St., Riverside, CA.
• Chino Mower, 13546 A Central Ave., Chino, CA.
• Norwalk Park, 13200 Clarksdale Ave., Norwalk, CA.
• Greenland Supply Inc., 20 N. Ash Ave., Inglewood, CA.
• Adams Park, 2302 South Raitt (at Warner), Santa Ana, CA.
• Mowers Plus, 79141 Country Club Drive, Bermuda Dunes, CA.

About STIHL Inc.
STIHL Inc. manufactures the world’s largest selling brand of chain saws and produces a full line of powerful, lightweight, and versatile handheld outdoor power equipment for homeowners and professional users. STIHL products are sold through servicing power equipment retailers from coast to coast— not mass merchants. For more information or for the name of the closest STIHL retailer call toll free 1-800-GO STIHL (1-800-467-8445) or visit the STIHL Web site at www.stihlusa.com.

For information on job opportunities with STIHL Inc., please go to www.stihlcareers.com. STIHL is an EEO and drug-free work environment.

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