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Coachella Residents Can 'Mow Down Air Pollution'

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Mar 18, 2008 3:31 pm US/Pacific

Coachella Residents Can 'Mow Down Air Pollution'

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. Coachella Valley residents can now register for the annual "Mow Down Air Pollution" program that encourages residents to exchange a gasoline-powered mowers for $100 zero-emission electric models.

The program, which is sponsored by the South Coast Air Quality Management District, will take in almost 24,000 gasoline mowers -- reducing smog-forming volatile organic compound emissions by about 116 tons, officials said.

"This program continues to be popular because it provides a convenient, low-cost opportunity for residents to make a positive impact on air quality and their communities," said William A. Burke, the AQMD's governing board chairman. "Gasoline-powered lawn mowers are a significant source of air pollution -- just one can pollute as much as 43 new cars annually."

Coachella Valley residents interested in registering in the program can call (888) 425-6247.

From 8 a.m. to noon April 5, residents can turn in their working, gasoline-powered mower in exchange for a Neuton cordless mower for $100 at Palm Springs City Hall, 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way.

(© 2008 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

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