It is too soon for a ban of gas-powered equipment

There is a lot of conversation going on about banning gas-powered landscaping tools these days, but I do think that most people don't understand their importance. They are the tools needed to create defendable space for fire breaks, cleaning construction sites, sidewalks and yard maintenance.

The push to switch to battery-powered or electric equipment is too soon. Battery power has come a long way, but still has a ways to go before it can truly be effective. The time will come when battery technology will make gas-powered equipment obsolete, but it won't be tomorrow.

For people who insist that an outright ban be approved, I say that they should just be patient with all of this, because there is a lot that still needs to be worked out.

— Chuck Nerviani, Novato