Take a ride for wildlife: conservation is on the go as environmental license plates decorate American autos

Insight on the News, Sept 2, 1996 by Cynthia Long

Conservation is on the go as environmental license plates decorate American autos.

California pioneered the trend in 1970 with its Environmental License Plate Fund, which garnered revenue from "vanity" plates. More recently, the state introduced its popular "image" plate -- a scene from Yosemite National Park -- that has raised millions of dollars to help save the peregrine falcon, bighorn sheep and other species.

From Maine to Arizona and Florida to Utah, more than half of the states now (or soon will) offer motorists the opportunity to order environmental "cause" plates -- license plates that celebrate nature and raise money for its preservation.

Maryland's environmental plate, with an image of the great blue heron stamped on recycled aluminum, was first issued in 1990. Each plate costs $20, of which $12 goes to the Chesapeake Bay Dust, a nonprofit organization, and the rest to the state Motor Vehicle Administration for manufacturing and distribution costs. Hailed as one of the most successful such fund-raising efforts in the country, Maryland's plate has delivered $6.2 million to the trust for programs such as river and stream clean-ups, tree and marsh grass plantings and habitat restorations.

While costs and procedures governing specialty plates vary from state to state, some issue them on an ad hoc basis, responding to petitions by specific groups. In Virginia, for example, organizations with 350 pre-paid applications can petition the General Assembly for personalized plates. As a result, Virginia has the most specialty plates in the country -- 200, of which six benefit environmental groups.

In fact, Virginia's environmental plates were a response to a budget crisis at the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, or VDGIF, which received $5 million less than it had requested from the state in 1991. Imitating its neighbor Maryland, the VDGIF offered four "Wildlife Conservationist" plates featuring a mallard duck, a largemouth bass, a brook trout and a white-tailed deer. Two "Friends of the Chesapeake" plates feature a largemouth bass and a clam. Before long, if its backers are successful, some of Virginia's green-minded motorists will have a black bear riding on their bumpers.

Perhaps Virginians should speak to legislators in Michigan who are blocking an environmental plate program there. Though the state has no specialty plates, lawmakers fear one will lead to many others, resulting in confusion. Michigan's House unanimously passed a non-game wildlife plate in 1995, but the initiative has sat in committee ever since. Likewise, the New Mexico Legislature defeated a proposal to issue a "Share With Wildlife" plate. Delaware, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Rhode Island and Vermont also have plates pending.

Beginning in January, Georgia will offer its citizens a bob-white quail plate proclaiming "Give Wildlife a Chance." Officials approved the plate some time ago but apparently postponed it so as not to conflict with Atlanta Olympics plates.

Whether more states will opt for specialty plates, one thing is certain: They are a boon for vacationing parents driving America's highways. When the kids get fidgety, moms and dads can challenge them to find plates championing the military, universities, sports teams, fraternal organizations, even zoos. That'll keep them quiet for a half-hour.