Scenic America applauds the introduction of New York Senate Bill 6809 by Senator Robert Jackson (D-031), which proposes a moratorium on the installation of new digital billboards across the state. This common-sense measure reflects growing public concern about the negative impacts of digital signage on driver safety, environmental quality, property values, and the scenic beauty that defines New York’s diverse landscapes.

Digital billboards pose a significant threat to driver safety. Multiple peer-reviewed studies have demonstrated that the bright, flashing, and frequently changing content of digital billboards increases driver distraction—contributing to more crashes, injuries, and fatalities. By directing the Commissioner of Transportation to study the relationship between these signs and motor vehicle accidents, S.6809 takes an essential step toward a data-informed policy that puts public safety first.

From an environmental perspective, digital billboards are energy-intensive and often require the removal of trees or vegetation to ensure visibility, which diminishes air quality, harms ecosystems, and reduces the state’s capacity for carbon sequestration. These structures also contribute to light pollution, disrupting wildlife patterns and obscuring the night sky—especially in rural and suburban areas where natural darkness is still a valued part of the environment.

The presence of digital billboards can also lower adjacent property values and degrade land use quality. Homeowners and businesses alike recognize that the relentless glare of digital signage diminishes the visual and economic appeal of a neighborhood. Scenic beauty is not a luxury—it’s a vital component of community character, tourism, and local pride.

The State of New York has an opportunity to take on an important role as a leader in environmental stewardship and public safety. This pause on new digital billboard installations will allow the state to fully understand the consequences of these signs and to chart a more thoughtful and responsible course forward. Scenic America strongly supports this bill and urges lawmakers to pass it swiftly for the benefit of all New Yorkers.

We commend Senator Robert Jackson (D-031) for his leadership and for recognizing the importance of preserving the safety, health, and scenic integrity of New York’s communities.