Texas Tree Would Stand Tall on New Texas License Plates

    AUSTIN, Texas--Jan. 30, 2003--Quick: name the state tree. Give up? It's the pecan, and soon Texans may be able to sport its picture on their license plates.
    State Representative Edmund Kuempel (R, Seguin) and State Senator Florence Shapiro (R, Plano) have both filed bills that would establish a specialized license plate on behalf of the Texas Urban Forestry Council, the only statewide nonprofit organization that promotes the planting and protection of trees in towns and cities across Texas.
    The legislation is also being endorsed by the Texas Forestry Association, the Texas Pecan Growers Association, the Texas Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture and over two dozen Texas nonprofit tree groups.
    Why trees? Among their many benefits, trees

--	reduce air and water pollution
--	improve health and inspire community pride
--	reduce noise and light pollution
--	lower temperatures and increase property values

    "With the passage of this legislation, Texans will be able to personally support greener, cooler communities across our state," says Nancy Masterson, Texas Urban Forestry Council President. The special license plates will be available through the Texas Department of Transportation and county tax assessors and will cost $30 above the regular vehicle registration fee. Of that amount, $22 will be set aside in an account administered by the Texas Forest Service for the Texas Urban Forestry's Council's programs.
    "Seguin is the home of the world's largest pecan," Representative Kuempel says proudly, "so it's fitting that we're the patron of the first state-sponsored funding for the community trees of Texas." Senator Shapiro notes that the legislation will pay for itself: it won't be taking anything out of state revenues. "That's really important these days," she added.
    "We're encouraging folks to stand tall for Texas trees by buying the license plates," adds Rep. Steve Wolens (D, Dallas), a supporter of the legislation. For more information about the Texas Urban Forestry Council, call 512/451-6588 or visit www.texasurbantrees.org