49-474.02. Voluntary lawn and garden equipment emissions reduction program; criteria

A. A county with a population of more than five hundred thousand persons according to the most recent United States decennial census shall establish and coordinate a voluntary lawn and garden equipment emissions reduction program. The equipment owner's participation in the program is voluntary. The county may contract with an independent contractor to develop and implement all or any portion of the program. The program shall provide for real and quantifiable emissions reductions. The county shall coordinate the program with any similar programs offered by any person, organization or business.

B. A person may participate in the program if the lawn or garden equipment starts and is used for residential or commercial purposes.

C. A voucher shall be issued in the amount of $200 to an owner of a commercial lawn mower that is retired and that meets the requirements of this section. The voucher shall be used for the purchase of a lawn mower that generates lower emissions.

D. A voucher shall be issued in the amount of at least $100 to an owner of a residential lawn mower that is retired and that meets the requirements of this section. The voucher shall be used for the purchase of an electric lawn mower.

E. A voucher shall be issued in the amount of at least $50 to the owner of a gasoline-powered lawn or garden device that is retired and that meets the requirements of this section. The voucher shall be used for the purchase of a lawn or garden device that generates lower emissions.

F. Equipment that is retired pursuant to this section shall not be used in this state.

G. The county shall prepare and submit on December 1 of each year a progress report on the voluntary lawn mower emissions reduction program containing at least the following information:

1. The number of lawn mowers and other lawn and garden devices retired by brand and year of manufacture.

2. The cost-effectiveness of the program in terms of dollars spent per ton of emissions reductions.

3. Any recommendations for improving the effectiveness of the program.

4. The administrative costs of the program.