AUSTIN — Legislation sponsored by State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) to ensure gasoline and diesel powered engines can never be outlawed by local governments in the state of Texas is already having an impact with the city of Dallas moving away from its plans to ban small gas powered engines, such as those that power lawn mowers and weed eaters.
“As a legislator, getting a bill passed is only part of the battle,” Landgraf said. “The fight continues as the legislation is implemented, so I am very pleased to see that SB 1017 is achieving its goal even before it officially goes into effect on September 1. Prior to this session, Dallas was considering a ban similar to those adopted by the state of California and many California cities. Those policies don’t work in California and I am committed to keeping any similar proposals from becoming the law in our great state.”
SB 1017 prohibits local governments from adopting or enforcing any rule or ordinance that would limit access to gasoline, diesel, or any other fuel source. The bill prohibits gas stations from being banned as any other related wholesaler, retailer, energy producer, or infrastructure necessary to provide access to a specific energy source. The legislation also ensures local governments cannot directly or indirectly prohibit or restrict the use, sale, or lease of an engine based on its fuel source.
“SB 1017 is about individual liberties and consumer choice: the government does not need to step in and artificially influence the market,” Landgraf continued. “The decision by the city of Dallas to move away from its attempt to ban small gas powered engines is a win for freedom and liberty in the Lone Star State, and an example of a new law actually having its intended effect. I’m proud of the work we’ve done and this victory motivates me all the more to keep fighting to protect individual liberty and freedom here in Texas.”
Earlier this year it was announced that the Dallas city council was planning to phase out the use of gas-powered tools by 2027. Those plans have been brought to a screeching halt with the enactment of SB 1017. Meanwhile, the state of California is banning all small-gas powered engines by 2024, with some communities outlawing gas stations altogether.
Landgraf and the other members of the Texas legislature convened at the Texas Capitol building for the 88th Texas Legislative Session on January 10, 2023. Members of the Texas House and Texas Senate meet for a 140-day regular session beginning the second Tuesday in January every odd-numbered year to vote on legislation and pass a balanced state budget. SB 1017 was signed into law by Governor Abbott on May 13, 2023.