Lamar to Retrofit Billboards Throughout Florida with Solar, Wind Power

[Fledermaus]

PENSACOLA, Fla., Apr 29, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Lamar Advertising Co., which operates more than 150 outdoor advertising companies in more than 40 states and Puerto Rico, has announced a multidimensional project to convert some 1,370 billboards throughout Florida to renewable energy. The $12.5-million project will place solar or wind power on billboards throughout the state, creating 1,370 individual renewable energy systems that return energy to the electrical grid.

"This represents the largest single deployment of distributed renewable energy devices in Florida history," said Robert B. Switzer, vice president of operations of Lamar Advertising. "With the completion of this historic project, we will be sending a clear message to millions of Florida residents and visitors every day that renewable energy works."

The project, set for completion by April 2012, will install a total of one Megawatt (1,000 kilowatts) of renewable energy generation in the form of solar or wind power on 1,370 separate billboard structures in eight markets from Pensacola to Daytona and Tallahassee to Fort Myers. The installations will be on billboards along interstates and major thoroughfares, giving the project the widest public exposure. The U.S. Department of Energy is providing a $2.5-million grant to the project through the Florida Energy and Climate Commission and the Governor's Energy Office, while Lamar is funding the remaining $10 million.

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/lamar-to-retrofit-billboards-throughout-florida-with-solar-wind-power-2010-04-29?reflink=MW_news_stmp

[customerserviceguy]

1. That's almost like trying to market an organic Twinkie

I mean, they're flippin' billboards for cripes sake!

[Fledermaus]

2. And?

I'm not sure what your point is?

[customerserviceguy]

3. Ok, try this

Eco-friendly billboards remind me of that bumper sticker that says, "Honk if You're Against Noise Pollution!"

Get it yet?

[Fledermaus]

4. Why are billbords not eco-friendly?

[customerserviceguy]

7. You really don't get it, do you?

They're visual pollution. It's like trying to stick a wick in the Gulf of Mexico, firing it up, and calling it a lighthouse.

One of the great things Lady Bird Johnson did for this country was to get laws passed that limited the amount of shit billboards on the highways, it's too bad someone else didn't pick up where she left off. We're already bombarded with enough wasteful advertising on our electronic toys, why can't we just have a clear view of the natural world that we drive through?

[kristopher]

9. Get a life.

[customerserviceguy]

12. Any other corporate pollution you're fond of while you're at it?

Using a tiny bit of "green" to sanctify something that shouldn't exist in the first place is just BS, and I can't believe so many here have swallowed it.

Lady Bird Johnson is turning over in her grave right now.

[bananas]

6. What do vegan zombies eat? Vegan Twinkies!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=115x212563

With Woody Harrelson, even the Twinkies are healthy

By Angela Dawson
Entertainment News Wire
Posted: 10/01/2009 06:45:29 PM PDT
Updated: 10/01/2009 06:45:30 PM PDT

Woody Harrelson is quite an actor. In the new action-comedy "Zombieland" he plays a post-apocalyptic survivor with a fondness for Twinkies. In real life, Harrelson is a vegan who won't go near junk food. But you'd swear he has a Twinkie addiction judging from his on-screen performance.

During production, the former "Cheers" star actually was feasting on faux Twinkies specially made of cornmeal and other healthy ingredients. "They were actually edible for a guy like me," he says, smiling. "There's a possibility that (manufacturer) Hostess could do a healthy Twinkie. It's a thought."

<snip>

An environmental activist and outspoken supporter of marijuana legalization, Harrelson has run afoul of the law a few times over the years. He was arrested in 1996 for planting hemp seeds but was subsequently acquitted. He also has demonstrated alongside the radical environmental group Earth First! and protested the destruction of the redwoods.

<snip>

[BeFree]

5. Smart move

Billboards sit in the open, are scattered about and are tied to the grid.

Makes perfect sense.

I notice more and more DoT signs with solar panels.

Next thing ya know traffic lights and street poles will have solar arrays.

[customerserviceguy]

8. Traffic lights and street lights

all serve useful purposes, and are not visual pollution on the landscape. Why am I the only one here who sees this?

[taylen24]

10. think about it

probably because while yes, many are visual pollution at least they can be put to some good. tv commercials are noise pollution and an assault to my intelligence, but they're not going anywhere anytime soon. as long as billboards are along the highway, they might as well be put to a good use by having panels on them to create clean energy. stop trolling and trying to prove an irrelevant point.

[customerserviceguy]

11. I'm trolling?

Thanks for pointing that out, Mister Two Posts.