Rules Target Emissions from Commercial Lawn and Garden Equipment

Published on December 12, 2025

commercial front-mounted mower, as it travels along a paved path in the park, during a sunny day

The Colorado Air Pollution Control Division (APCD) has proposed new rules to reduce emissions from small gas-powered lawn and garden equipment in the Denver Metro/North Front Range (DMNFR) ozone nonattainment area, which includes Weld County.

Gas-powered lawn and garden equipment commonly use two-stroke engines that emit fine particles, air toxics, and ozone-forming compounds such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). At ground level, ozone can affect lung function and aggravate respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.

How the Rule Would Work

The APCD’s proposal would limit the commercial use of small gas-powered landscaping equipment — such as mowers, blowers, and trimmers — during ozone season (June 1 through August 20) across the nonattainment area, including all of Weld County.

Starting June 1, 2027, landscaping companies would be required to gradually reduce their use of gas-powered equipment with engines smaller than 7 kilowatts (10 horsepower). Each year, the percentage of gas-powered tools a company can operate would decrease incrementally from 90% of current gas-powered inventory in 2027 to just 10% by 2032.

How to Get Involved

The APCD will hold public meetings on Dec. 13 and Jan. 15 to share details about the proposal and answer questions. The formal rulemaking hearing is tentatively scheduled for May 2026.

UPDATE: The lawn and garden (Reg 29) rulemaking hearing request has been postponed to July and the hearing is tentatively rescheduled for November.

If you own or work for a landscaping business, this is your opportunity to learn more and provide feedback. You can:

  • Attend the public meetings (details on air.weld.gov/Events-directory)
  • Email questions or comments to cdphe.commentsapcd@state.co.us
  • Contact Dr. Annareli Morales, Air Quality Policy Analyst with the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment, at amorales@weld.gov

Incentives for Electric Equipment

There are some consumer incentives available for those who are considering electric equipment:

  • 30% off electric lawn and garden equipment at participating Colorado retailers through December 31, 2026.
  • Mow Down Pollution Program: A new rebate program for small businesses to replace gas-powered equipment, opening in early 2026.

Visit our Air Quality Programs page at air.weld.gov to learn more about available discounts and funding opportunities.

 

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