On Saturday, a new law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom bans the sale of new gas-powered equipment that uses small off-road engines, which encompasses generators, lawnmowers, pressure washers, and lawn equipment in general.

Democratic Assemblyman Marc Berman wrote the legislation as part of a comprehensive plan to reduce pollution with the highest population. 

Because of a 1970s exception in federal law, California is the only state with authority to regulate air quality in this manner.

According to Fox News, the said equipment will no longer be sold under the state’s new law, which takes effect on January 1, 2024. For landscaping companies, this means rebates to help them upgrade their machinery by 2024.

Requiring Menstrual Products in Schools in California

As a result of legislation signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom, public schools and colleges in California must provide free menstrual products in their restrooms.

As reported by NBC News, earlier this year, California passed legislation requiring low-income schools in underserved areas to provide free menstrual products to students.

“Our biology doesn’t always send an advanced warning when we’re about to start menstruating, which often means we need to stop whatever we’re doing and deal with a period,” stated Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia, as quoted in the report. 

Environmental advocacy group, Women’s Voices for the Earth, mentioned that menstrual products should be free in public schools in at least a few more places. 

Other laws Signed by the Governor

All high school students must take an ethnic studies course to graduate in the 2029-2030 school year, both of which were signed into law by Newsom this month. 

As part of the legislation, restaurants are no longer allowed to provide customers with single-use plasticware, condiments, or utensils, unless the customer specifically requests them.