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ing water efficiency measures for state facilities , and improving operations .
The order continues with the governor directing “ CDPHE and DPA , in consultation with other relevant State agencies , to establish a policy to phase out use of gas-powered push and handheld lawn and garden equipment with internal combustion engines that are less than 25 horsepower by state agencies .” The state will prioritize contractors that use electric lawn and garden equipment . This policy makes exceptions for equipment used to abate or prevent damage during a declared disaster emergency , equipment used by first responders to provide emergency services , or for fire hazard reduction activities in or near wildland areas or wildland urban interface .
Kirsten Schatz , a Clean Air Advocate for Colorado ’ s Public Interest Research Group , released a statement in support of the Governor ’ s order . “ With this executive order , Colorado can lead the way in quickly shifting away from highly polluting , excessively loud gaspowered lawn and garden equipment and identifying other sustainability measures that can reduce pollution and waste and save money . This is great news for Coloradans ’ health and quality of life .”
Earlier in the summer , Colorado ’ s Regional Air Quality Council , which recommends policies for improving air quality along the Front Range , formally recommended a regulation would require local governments to stop using small , gas-powered equipment during the summer by 2025 , and it would ban commercial operators from using the equipment during the summer months by 2026 .
The policy would apply only in nine counties that make up the “ Front Range .” That is an area mostly west of Denver leading into the mountains that struggles with ozone pollution . The sales ban would not be statewide . Gas tractors and larger gas-powered lawn mowers still would be allowed , and exceptions for using gas-powered equipment for forest and grasslands management and after natural disasters .
DEWALT AND PARAGON GROUP USA INTRODUCE EV CHARGERS As the shift toward electric vehicles continues to gain momentum , Paragon Group USA announced a line of electric vehicle ( EV ) chargers through a licensed partnership with Dewalt . According to the recent Car Guru ’ s Electric Vehicle Sentiment Survey , more than half of car owners expect to own an EV in the next ten years – up from just 34 percent in 2018 .
Compatible with all major vehicle brands , the new Dewalt chargers work at home or as portable devices . The assortment consists of portable chargers ( 16 and 32 Amp ), wall-mounted chargers ( 40 and 48 Amp ) and a range of adapters and mounting brackets . The chargers are designed with a 25-ft high-grade cable , rugged housing and with use of an adapter , are compatible with Tesla vehicles .
Once connected to the vehicle , the charger automatically determines the optimal electricity to administer , delivering lightning-fast charge speed . Equipped with more than 10 advanced safety features , the chargers are designed to prevent overvoltage , overcurrent , overheating , and overcharging . CSA and FCC certified and rated for indoor and outdoor use , the chargers are equipped with surge protection and circuit temperature sensors .
“ Our goal at Paragon Group USA is to provide cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of electric vehicle drivers as EV adoption continues to grow ,” said Seffi Janowski , CEO of
Paragon Group USA . “ Dewalt is trusted around the world to power work whenever and wherever needed . We are proud to partner with Dewalt to bring their focus on innovation and safety to the emerging world of EV charging solutions .”
For added convenience an EV charger app allows users to start , stop and stay updated on charging sessions via bluetooth and WiFi . Free to download and use , the app is available for Android and iOS users and is compatible with the 40 and 48 Amp models .
Paragon Group USA is partnering with The Home Depot for the exclusive launch of Dewalt ’ s EV chargers and accessories . The assortment is backed by a three-year limited warranty and 24 / 7 technical support .
MONARCH SENDS AUTONOMOUS TRACTOR TO U OF MISSOURI On September 1 , the University of Missouri received the first autonomous , electric tractor available to a research university in the United States . The Monarch MK-V will serve as a proprietary model for research and learning in the precision and sustainable agriculture space while also serving to support farmers with disabilities .
Researchers from the College of Agriculture , Food and Natural Resources and College of Engineering received the tractor earlier this month as part of a grant awarded by the Department of Agriculture ’ s Equipment Grants Program . The new tractor will serve as an
10 OPE Business October 2023 www . OPEBusiness . com