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> Outdoor Advertisement Vegetation Removal Changes
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Outdoor Advertisement Vegetation Removal Changes
Our Position: oppose
Bill Number: H49=S150
Sponsor: Rep. Nelson Cole / Sen. Clark Jenkins
Legislative Session: 2007
This bill increases the tree clearing zone in front of billboards from 250 to 375 feet and increases permit fees and penalties, directing those funds to replanting of trees.
The increased fees and penalties were imported wholesale in a later edition of this industry bill from H1793, introduced by Rep. Paul Luebke, in an attempt to make their own legislation less offensive.
Increased tree cutting along highway rights of way is, on its face, plenty problematic. More visible billboards are distracting to drivers and an affront to the state’s investment in highway beautification. This year, the billboard industry had to contend with a new public relations issue: news reports of illegal tree cutting over the last year, totaling nearly $1 million in damage. The industry had returned to the legislature with its hand out for additional concessions, but has not made a commitment to police itself and crack down on illegal cutting.
Status
It appeared for some time that the bill was dead, but S150 was resurrected late in the session and passed the Senate.
Action Needed
Contact
Christa Wagner, NC Sierra Club, (919) 833-8467
Background
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