« State legislators considers bill that pits trees versus billboards »

The Georgia General Assembly is considering a bill that would allow "billboard owners could clear-cut state-owned trees from in front of their signs."  While this is not a Gwinnett specific issue, with major highways such as I-85, GA Highway 316, US 78, and US 29 running through the heart of our county, this legislation is absolutely relevant to Gwinnett County.  

I am a strong supporter of business, and I feel that government often goes too far in impeding the ability of companies to conduct business.  However, the need for empowering industry does not extend to allowing businesses to exercise control over property that is not theirs.  This bill would allow just that.  True, this law would not give sign owners rights over private property.  But if I live beside government property, I cannot just go walk on that land and destroy trees or other natural elements because they do not suit me.  

The bill does provide that an arborist would have to identify trees older than 75 years old which would be protected.  However, the arborist would be paid by the billboard owner.  Outdoor Advertising Association of Georgia executive director Conner Poe notes that the arborists would be honest in doing their job.  The vast majority would.  However, being paid by a party with a financial stake in your decision does open the door to conflict of interest.

Both sides of this issue will cite a variety of reasons the bill should or should not pass.  Businesses will cite potential lost jobs, environmentalists will cite the negatives of losing swaths of trees.  Both arguments are immaterial.  This comes down to property rights.  You should have a right to do with your property as you see fit so long as that does not infringe on your neighbor's right to do with their property as they see fit.  However, regardless of the owner, you do not have a right to exercise your will on property that is not yours.

Unfortunately, the bill passed the House today.  I do not know which, if any, Gwinnett legislators supported this bill, but I intend to find out and publicize a list of those would have limited respect for property rights.  The lesgislation now moves to the Senate.