YOUR VOICE MATTERS!

PLEASE SEND COMMENTS NOW!

See talking points below .

We just learned this evening that tomorrow on Friday April 1, 2016 the Montana Department of Transportation (MDOT) is considering regulations that would allow for energy wasting and distracting, electronic billboards along highways or interstates.

The MDOT appears to be caving to the demands of the advertising industry, and has crafted new regulations that would overturn MDOT's current ban on electronic billboards. We need you to take 1 minute, contact the MDOT, and tell them that electronic billboards are unsightly, distracting, a waste of energy, and are not welcome in Montana.

COMMENTS CLOSE AT 5PM ON Friday, APRIL 1ST. EMAIL MDOT AND LET THEM KNOW YOU DO NOT WANT ELECTRONIC BILLBOARDS IN MONTANA!!!

Click here to send comments now.

Sample Comments to copy and send:

Dear Transportation Commissioners,

I respectfully urge that you do not repeal Montana's current ban on electronic billboards. Electronic billboards are an obnoxious waste of energy and a distraction to Montana's drivers.

2015 was a record breaking year for Montana tourism, with up to 12 million visitors to our great state. They didn't come to Montana to look at flash billboards that are lit up 24 hours a day. They came for expansive vistas, and the ability to avoid obnoxious electronic distractions.

Please allow additional time for public comment on these proposed rule changes, as we do not feel there has been adequate notice for participation by the public and local governments. At the least, we urge you to conduct a more thorough analysis of whether Montanans would like to increase the number of electronic billboards in our great state, rather than the advertising industry.

Thank you for your time.

(Include your name and address)

Take 1 minute right now, and contact the MDOT. Ask that they uphold Montana's current prohibition on electronic billboards.

Thanks for taking action!

It really does make a difference!

Sincerely,

Citizens for a Better Flathead

Citizens for a Better Flathead and others citizen activist's across Montana in 1995 worked to develop and lobby for restrictive rules for Outdoor Advertising. These regulations were passed under Gov. Racicot's administration, and received large public support.

In 2006 The Transportation Commission agreed to not legalize electronic billboards and stated they had the potential " to change the sign culture in Montana and change the landscape".

They agreed, we do not need more distractions on our already dangerous highways, nor do our residents or visitors care to see this litter on our highways.

The Transportation Commission has already been down this road and realized it was the wrong road to go down.

Please urge the Transportation Commission to deny these changes and new rules for Montana.

PS
Thanks to Joan Vetter Ehrenberg of Whitefish who worked with CBF and other local residents to put these limits in place and alerted us to this hearing and potential rule change along with the Montana Environmental Information Center.

Click here to read the proposed rule changes.

Click here to read studies on the issues with electronic billboard.

Citizens for a Better Flathead encourages you to make a difference by participating in the decisions that are shaping the future of your community!

Our work and alerts such as this are dependent on the generous support of individuals like you.