May 23, 2024
Gov. Roy Cooper's veto today (May 23) of H198, DOT Legislative Changes, is a victory for North Carolina's scenic beauty and environmental protections.
Despite legislative leaders' claims to the contrary, advocates for our state's native trees, scenery, habitat and pollinator propagation were sidelined during discussions to add bill language that dramatically and unnecessarily broadened tree-cutting zones around highway billboards.
The legislation was similar to a measure successfully vetoed by Cooper in 2019, further signaling that the proposed changes were neither needed nor wanted. Read the veto message.
Statement by Erin Carey, acting director, N.C. Sierra Club:
"Billboard blight has no place in North Carolina, a state justifiably famous for its scenic beauty. And it's not just a question of enjoying a pretty drive. Redbuds and other trees that were threatened by this ill-conceived bill support carbon sequestration, pollinator propagation, and wildlife habitat. Governor Cooper understands all of that. Today's veto was a critical show of leadership on behalf of natural beauty and environmental stability."