Rep Patterson backs billboard veto, tells Gov hold

TUCSON -- Rep. Daniel Patterson (Tucson-LD29), expressed his support of Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer’s veto of HB 2757. This bill would have jeopardized jobs and millions in economic impact related to Arizona’s unique astronomy industry.

“I want to thank Gov. Jan Brewer for vetoing HB 2757, which would have allowed electronic billboards across our state to intrude on our clear desert skies,” Patterson said. “This veto will help preserve our beautiful night skies and the astronomy industry that has created so many jobs in Southern Arizona.”

Astronomers across the state were concerned that the electronic billboards would adversely affect astrological research in Arizona because they create light pollution that interferes with the telescopes and observatories.

Electronic billboards would diminish the ability to conduct the important astronomical research in Arizona. Legalizing electronic billboards would endanger future projects like the $130 million Cherenkov Telescope, which we are competing for against five other countries.

“With the governor’s decision, the astronomy community can continue to focus on science and Arizona can continue to compete on a national and global basis for future sites and projects, while bringing research, revenue, and jobs to our state,” Patterson said. “It’s my hope that if similar legislation makes its way to the governor’s desk it will meet a similar fate. We must preserve the dark skies that make this important work possible.”