New York Launches Electric Landscaping Rebate Program

Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation to incentivize commercial and institutional adoption of electric landscaping tools.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Electric Vehicles

Bold vector editorial illustration of a cordless leaf blower and rechargeable battery, representing the shift to electric landscaping tools. — New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation to provide rebates for commercial entities transitioning to electric landscaping equipment like blowers and mowers. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should governments offer financial rebates to businesses that adopt new, cleaner technology?

Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation in late September 2026 to establish a state-wide rebate program for electric landscaping equipment. The initiative provides point-of-sale discounts for commercial landscapers, government agencies, and nonprofits to encourage the transition from gas-powered tools.

Why it matters

The program seeks to significantly reduce noise pollution and carbon emissions across New York. By lowering the financial barrier to adopting electric lawnmowers and blowers, the state hopes to accelerate the departure from traditional gas-powered equipment.

Gas-powered blowers cost approximately $5 per hour to operate, while battery-powered electric blowers cost between 11 and 17 cents per hour. The program distributes rebates on a first-come-first-served basis until all funds are fully exhausted.

The players

Kathy Hochul

Kathy Hochul is the Governor of New York who signed the legislation to create the electric landscaping equipment rebate program.

NYSERDA

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority is a public benefit corporation tasked with assessing the market and designing the program.

The details

Eligible entities, including school districts and nonprofit organizations, can receive rebates for purchasing various electric tools such as hedge trimmers and leaf blowers. This legislation arrives as several local municipalities, including East Hampton and Southampton Village, have already moved to restrict or ban the use of gas-powered landscaping equipment.

Governor Kathy Hochul signed the legislation into law at the end of September 2026.
East Hampton Village restricts gas blower usage from May 15 to Sept. 15.
East Hampton Town prohibits gas-powered blowers from May 20 to Sept. 20.

Roadmap

New York’s rebate program marks a strategic shift toward subsidizing the electric transition rather than imposing rigid statewide bans on gas-powered tools. This approach contrasts with the legislative friction seen in Connecticut, where proposals for total bans on gas blowers were previously tabled.

Commercial landscapers and local governments can now utilize point-of-sale rebates to lower the upfront costs of transitioning their fleets to electric equipment. Eligible organizations should monitor NYSERDA updates to determine when funds become available for specific equipment purchases.

The takeaway

Commercial landscapers should track the rollout of this program to reduce long-term operational costs, given that electric blowers cost significantly less to run than gas models. Planning for equipment upgrades early is essential, as the rebate program operates on a first-come-first-served basis.