Panel backs letting billboard companies cut more trees

A bill that would allow billboard companies to clear state-owned roadside trees from in front of their signs passed the House Transportation Committee on Tuesday following impassioned arguments against it from environmental groups.

The bill’s advocates said it would help provide jobs for the advertising industry and businesses that need to advertise. They said that some trees, such as historically designated ones, are still protected, and that the space for clear-cutting would be limited.

The environmental groups say that in some areas where back-to-front billboards are spaced closely together, the roadside could be completely cleared of trees.

Billboard companies are currently allowed to cull some smaller trees but not to clear-cut.

The bill, House Bill 179, applies to trees on state-owned roadside land that are in front of billboards that sit on private land.

About the Author

Marjorie Taylor Greene’s exit opens new political unknown in Georgia

U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene is walking away from Washington. What comes next for her — and for Georgia politics — is suddenly wide open.

Marjorie Taylor Greene’s path, MAGA powerhouse to sudden resignation announcement

What to know about the rise and resignation of Georgia U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green.

Marjorie Taylor Greene says she is resigning from Congress

The Rome Republican recently became the latest target of President Donald Trump’s ire.

The Latest

Credit: Getty Images

Marjorie Taylor Greene’s exit opens new political unknown in Georgia

OPINION

Jason Esteves looks to break out of crowded Democratic field for governor

Marjorie Taylor Greene says she is resigning from Congress

Featured

Credit: Miguel Martinez

‘Worst nightmares come true.’ Atlanta confronts shift in homelessness funding.

Trump’s overhaul threatens permanent housing for an estimated 600 Atlanta households and 170,000 people nationwide, advocates warn.

Microsoft’s newest AI ‘superfactory’ opens at sprawling Fayetteville campus

One of the largest data center campuses under construction in Georgia has its first operational tenant, and it’s one of the most recognizable names in technology.

Atlanta officials quietly rebrand city’s DEI office

The city of Atlanta office overseeing diversity, equity and inclusion is getting a rebrand amid assaults at the federal level on such initiatives.