Heinrich, Correa Introduce Legislation to Help Local Small Businesses Transition to Clean and Efficient Landscaping Equipment

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the co-founder and co-chair of the Bicameral Electrification Caucus, and U.S. Representative Lou Correa (D-Calif.) introduced bicameral legislation to establish a new federal tax credit to enable local small businesses, including landscaping and lawn care businesses, to transition to zero-emission equipment more easily and without financial burden.

Transitioning to zero-emission, electric landscaping equipment - such as mowers, leaf blowers, snow blowers, and hedgers - reduces noise pollution, protects landscape workers' health, improves local air quality, and reduces landscaping companies' reliance on gas and diesel fuels, which are subject to major price spikes.

According to a 2023 Environment America report, electric appliances save money over time due to their lower fuel and maintenance costs - usually paying back the initial investment in only one to three years. Electric lawn care equipment is also quieter and produces less vibration, making it safer and healthier to operate.

"Small businesses are the backbone of New Mexico's economy. And they're getting hit hard by Trump's tariffs and skyrocketing costs," said Heinrich, Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. "I'm proud to reintroduce this legislation to ease the financial burden on small businesses through a tax cut to purchase new zero-emission equipment. This will help New Mexico small businesses protect workers' health, reduce pollution in our communities, and grow local economies."

"As our economy shifts towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, we can't let small businesses fall behind, especially when they provide services that our communities depend on," said Correa. "This bill will help businesses that rely on gas- and diesel-powered equipment transition into leaders in the green economy, which would benefit consumers and workers, create a more innovative market, and ultimately save money."

The Promoting Reduction of Emissions through Landscaping Equipment Act creates a federal tax credit to enable local small businesses, including landscaping and lawn care businesses of all sizes, to transition to zero-emission equipment more easily and without financial burden. Specifically, the bill will:

• Provide an annual tax credit of 40% to businesses for the purchase of new qualifying zero-emission equipment (cord or cordless), as well as retrofitting of existing equipment.
  • The tax credit is capped at $25,000 annually, with a total cap of $100,000 over 10 consecutive years.
  • The effective date is for equipment purchased starting January 1, 2025. The tax credit expires five years after enactment.

The legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.). In the House, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Kathy Castor (D-Fla), Sharice L. Davids (D-Kan.), Betty McCollum (D-Minn.), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), and Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.).

The bill is supported by the National Association of Landscape Professionals, Sierra Club, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, American Green Zone Alliance, and QuietGeorgia.

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