What do North Carolina legislators have against the state's native redbud trees?
That's what some environmentalists and others are asking after a committee proposed allowing billboard companies to cut down more trees along the side of highways to increase visibility of their signs.
The language, included in an amendment added by GOP leaders of the Senate Transportation Committee to House Bill 198, is part of a long-running battle over how much power the industry should have in clear-cutting trees along state-maintained roadways.
I-40 and billboards
A scenic byway, it isn't. And you might be hard pressed to find anyone who enjoys the drive between Wilmington and Raleigh on Interstate 40.
But even with little to see except fields and trees, billboards have been a controversial topic for motorists traveling the vital artery between the Triangle and the beach. For some, they help break up the monotony and are an important marketing tool for local businesses. For others, they are an eyesore, a blight on the landscape that takes away from the natural beauty of Eastern North Carolina.
For many years after I-40 was extended to Wilmington, there was a state moratorium on billboards between the Triangle and the coast. The idea of the moratorium backers was to prevent the relatively new stretch of highway turning into another version of I-95 or stretches of I-85.
But cracks began to appear around the turn of the century. The General Assembly allowed the state moratorium to expire in 2002, and some local jurisdictions soon permitted billboards to be erected on land under their zoning control while others maintained a sign-free route.
Today, billboards can be seen along many areas of the highway, particularly in Pender and Duplin counties, and the proposed changes floated in Raleigh could make ignoring them that much harder for drivers.
SIGN DEBATE:Billboards along I-40 are at issue once again
What are the new proposals?
The new language would allow companies to apply for a permit to cut trees within 500 feet of a billboard, up from today's existing 380 feet. They also would allow trees to be chopped without a permit up to 300 feet from a sign, up from the existing 200 feet.
It also would make it harder for the N.C. Department of Transportation (DOT) to deny or limit billboard relocations.
What's up with redbuds?
Among the most controversial proposed change is the stripping of protections for native redbud trees. Dogwoods would still be preserved under the proposed modifications.
According to N.C. Cooperative Extension, redbuds (cercis canadensis) with their pinkish-purple flowers are among the first trees to bloom in North Carolina in the spring. They grow up to 30 feet tall and 20 to 35 feet wide, and are often found growing below larger trees.
Because it flowers early, the striking redbud is also an important source of food for pollinators like butterflies and bees, and its bean pod fruit provides sustenance for songbirds.
Environmentalists said the loss of the state's iconic springtime redbuds along roadways would be especially tough to swallow because of the important ecological role they play. Their removal also would add to the general de-beautification of the state. Chopping down more trees, which are public property, they noted, also could potentially impact efforts to deal with climate change, notably warming temperatures and heavy rain events.
What else is in the bill?
Other proposed changes would allow the N.C. Turnpike Authority to hike the late fee for not paying a toll in time by 50% to $9, and increase the total penalty amount a driver can be charged in late fees over a 12-month period from $48 to $72. The penalty fees haven't been increased in more than a decade.
The bill also would the DOT's Ferry Division to sell commercial vehicles a $150 annual pass to give them priority boarding, and allow the state to sell alcohol on certain long-distance train routes.
What happens now?
The bill has now passed the Senate and is now back in the House. With Republicans holding majorities in both chambers of the N.C. General Assembly, the bill is likely headed for Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper's desk − although it still could be modified when negotiations between the two chambers get underway.
Historically, Cooper has held a dim view of efforts to expand the power of the billboard industry to expand its clear-cutting authority. In 2019, he vetoed a bill with similar language, stating that the "beauty and environment" of North Carolina should take priority.
But with the GOP holding super-majorities in both chambers, Republicans could overcome any veto by Cooper.
The governor's office declined to comment on the proposed bill, noting that it is still working its way through the legislative process.
Reporter Gareth McGrath can be reached at GMcGrath@Gannett.com or @GarethMcGrathSN on X/Twitter. This story was produced with financial support from the Green South Foundation and the Prentice Foundation. The USA TODAY Network maintains full editorial control of the work.
