California’s Small Engine Revolution: How CARB’s 2024 Equipment Ban is Transforming Los Angeles Landscaping and Construction Industries
The landscaping and construction industries in Los Angeles are experiencing their most significant regulatory shift in decades. California’s Air Resources Board (CARB) has implemented zero-emission standards for most new small off-road engines (SORE) starting with model year 2024, fundamentally changing how professionals in these sectors operate their businesses.
Understanding the CARB Small Off-Road Engine Regulations
The new emission standards of zero apply to engines used in all equipment types produced for sale in California, except generators and large pressure washers. CARB defines small off-road engines as “off-road spark-ignition engines that produce 19 kilowatts gross power or less (25 horsepower or less)”. This includes the backbone equipment of landscaping operations: lawn mowers, leaf blowers, string trimmers, hedge clippers, and chainsaws.
Importantly, Californians can continue to operate their current CARB-compliant gasoline-powered SORE equipment; there will be no “ban” on using older models or used equipment purchased in the future. The regulations specifically target new equipment sales, not existing inventory or used equipment.
The Environmental Impact Driving Change
The urgency behind these regulations becomes clear when examining the pollution data. A commercial operator using one backpack leaf blower for one hour generates the same smog-forming emissions as a car driving 1100 miles. Even more staggering, the volume of smog-forming emissions from this type of equipment has surpassed emissions from light-duty passenger cars and is projected to be nearly twice those of passenger cars by 2031.
There are more than 16.7 million of these small engines in California, about 3 million more than the number of passenger cars on the road. In Los Angeles, where air quality has long been a challenge, communities in the Los Angeles Basin see some of the dirtiest and most toxic air in the country.
Financial Challenges for Los Angeles Businesses
The transition presents significant financial hurdles for landscaping and construction businesses. According to the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), zero-emission commercial-grade equipment is prohibitively expensive and less efficient than existing gas-powered machinery. A gas-powered commercial riding lawn mower costs $7,000 to $11,000, but its zero-emission equivalent costs more than twice that amount.
The battery requirements compound these costs. A three-person landscaping crew will need to carry 30-40 fully charged batteries to power its equipment during a full day’s work, representing a substantial operational change and investment.
California has about 12,000 licensed lawn care contractors and as many as three times as many unlicensed ones, making the scope of this transition enormous for the state’s economy.
Available Financial Support and Incentives
Recognizing these challenges, California has allocated funding to ease the transition. The Legislature has allocated $30 million to be dedicated to sole proprietors and other small landscaping businesses in California to help them purchase zero-emission small off-road equipment, including leaf blowers, lawn mowers and string trimmers.
Additional support comes through CARB’s Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE), which was created to accelerate deployment of cleaner off-road technologies. However, industry experts argue this funding is insufficient given the scale of the transition required.
The Technology Transition
Zero-emission equipment in the SORE sector is widely available, quieter, cleaner, has less vibration, and has greatly improved over the last few years. To help businesses evaluate these alternatives, CARB has operated the Zero-Emission Equipment Roadshow since 2018, which loans equipment free of cost for 3 weeks to municipalities and other entities.
Success stories are emerging from early adopters. Many users who initially complained about early models have become enthusiastic supporters, including the Los Angeles Unified School District, UC Irvine, Santa Barbara Parks and Rec, and Capitol Park in Sacramento.
Compliance and the Broader Automotive Connection
For Los Angeles businesses navigating these new regulations, ensuring compliance extends beyond just equipment purchases. Companies need to understand how these environmental standards connect to broader automotive compliance requirements. Whether it’s fleet vehicles, equipment transport, or ensuring all business operations meet California’s stringent environmental standards, working with experienced CARB Compliant Los Angeles, CA automotive service providers becomes increasingly important for comprehensive regulatory compliance.
Looking Ahead: Phase Two and Beyond
The current regulations represent only the first phase of CARB’s plan. The second phase will be implemented starting in MY 2028, when the emission standards for generators and large pressure washers will be zero. This timeline gives businesses additional time to plan for complete electrification of their equipment fleets.
Industry experts warn that “this won’t stay in California” as environmental advocacy groups push to replicate similar regulations nationwide. Los Angeles businesses that adapt early may find themselves ahead of the curve as these standards potentially spread to other markets.
Business Opportunities in the New Landscape
Despite the challenges, forward-thinking businesses are finding opportunities in the transition. Landscape companies that have made the switch to green equipment report using their electric equipment as a strong marketing tool, appealing to residential customers with environmental beliefs and companies looking to promote their sustainability efforts.
The regulatory change also creates a competitive advantage for businesses that embrace the technology early, positioning themselves as industry leaders while their competitors struggle with the transition.
Preparing for Success
Los Angeles landscaping and construction businesses should begin planning their transition strategies now. This includes evaluating current equipment inventories, budgeting for new purchases, exploring available incentives, and potentially testing zero-emission alternatives through CARB’s equipment loan program.
The 2024 CARB small off-road engine phase-out represents more than just a regulatory change—it’s a fundamental shift toward cleaner, quieter, and ultimately more sustainable business operations. While the initial investment may be substantial, Los Angeles businesses that embrace this transition will be better positioned for long-term success in California’s evolving regulatory environment.