Scenic America remains steadfast in its mission to combat billboard blight and protect the visual integrity of our natural landscapes. Despite the diverse array of priorities that Scenic America tackles, the issue of billboard control continues to be a central focus, with significant progress made at both local and national levels. Here’s an overview of several of our recent efforts at the national and local levels:

Highlighting Environmental Impact

In concert with our efforts to document billboard proliferation across the country, Scenic America has begun focusing on the environmental consequences of billboard-related tree removal. We are developing tools to calculate the impact on carbon sequestration, using state-specific data on tree cutting clearances and forest cover. This initiative underscores the broader environmental degradation caused by billboards, including habitat loss and contributions to climate change.

Continuous Research and Advocacy

Scenic America is also conducting extensive research on billboard regulations across major U.S. cities to understand and advocate for effective billboard control measures. This ongoing research informs our strategies and supports our local and national campaigns against outdoor advertising.

Regional and Local Efforts

Scenic America is actively involved in several local initiatives to mitigate billboard impacts:

• Miami, FL: In 2023, Scenic America took action against the Miami City Commission’s decision to lift a cap on freestanding digital signs, a change that led to the installation of a massive digital billboard next to the Pérez Art Museum Miami. The sign, operated by Orange Barrel Media, has been displaying ads for products and services not available at the museum, potentially violating Florida’s outdoor advertising regulations. Scenic America has been working closely with local leaders and the Florida Department of Transportation to ensure that this sign either complies with the law or is removed. This case highlights the ongoing tension between municipal interests in regulating urban aesthetics and the outdoor advertising industry’s push for increased digital signage.
• Raleigh, NC: Scenic America played a crucial role in preserving Raleigh’s ban on digital billboards. When a proposal surfaced to lift the ban, potentially paving the way for a proliferation of digital signage, we mobilized local advocates and educated city officials on the environmental, safety, and aesthetic downsides of digital billboards. Our efforts included submitting expert testimony, conducting public awareness campaigns, and coordinating participation in city council hearings. The Raleigh City Council’s unanimous decision to maintain the ban marked a significant victory for the community and scenic conservation.
• Los Angeles, CA: Scenic America, in partnership with Scenic Los Angeles, has been actively opposing the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (Metro) proposed Transportation Communication Network (TCN), which aims to introduce digital billboards along freeway-facing Metro-owned parcels. This initiative would undermine the city’s long-standing ban on new billboards. Scenic America has led a comprehensive campaign against TCN, involving public advocacy, legal opinions, and grassroots mobilization. Despite the City Council’s initial approval, Scenic America’s efforts have delayed implementation, pushing for further scrutiny by the City’s Budget, Finance, and Innovation Committee. This ongoing battle is crucial in maintaining the aesthetic integrity of Los Angeles and preventing the negative impacts of digital billboards on public spaces.
• Texas: In May 2024, Scenic America responded to concerning updates proposed by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to the state’s sign laws. These changes would have undermined local regulations by allowing digital billboards even in areas that had explicitly banned them, reducing the commercial activity requirements for billboard placement, and providing credits for relocating signs. These provisions would have facilitated a significant increase in billboard numbers, particularly digital ones, across Texas, including rural areas. Scenic America collaborated with Scenic Texas to submit detailed comments opposing these changes. Their advocacy was successful in preventing these provisions from being enacted, ensuring that local communities retain the authority to regulate outdoor advertising and maintain their visual environments.
• Utah: Scenic America and Scenic Utah have faced multiple challenges from the outdoor advertising industry. In Millcreek, we opposed changes to local ordinances that would allow additional digital billboards, achieving a compromise that limited new signs. At the state level, we fought against legislation that would undermine local control over scenic byway designations, which would pave the way for more billboards along Utah’s roads. Despite our efforts, the bill passed, but Scenic America remains committed to advocating for Utah’s scenic beauty.
• Missouri: Scenic America and Scenic Missouri collaborated to propose a five-year moratorium on new billboard installations along Interstate 70, known for its heavy billboard presence. This initiative aimed to protect Missouri’s natural beauty and enhance road safety. Although the resolution did not pass in its first attempt, Scenic America is determined to continue advocating for reduced billboard proliferation along Missouri’s highways.

Scenic America’s commitment to reducing billboard blight is unwavering. While we tackle a range of issues, our dedication to fighting the proliferation of billboards remains a top priority. Through our combined efforts at the federal, state, and local levels, we aim to enhance America’s scenic beauty and ensure that our landscapes remain free from visual pollution.