Summary
This bill would establish the Healthy, Safe and Energy Efficient Outdoor Lighting Act.  NYSDEC and NYSERDA would be required to develop efficiency standards for new and replacement outdoor lighting by state agencies and public corporations, and to provide guidance for roadway and public grounds night-time lighting by local governments through the preparation of model ordinances.  This bill defines light trespass and outlines a means for applying this principle in order to reduce fugitive, blinding glare.  The measure also empowers the DEC commissioner to identify appropriate areas for the establishment of "dark sky preserves" to protect wildlife and enhance night sky viewing.  The bill would also require the DEC commissioner to prepare and distribute a pamphlet describing the purposes of the Act.

Explanation
Much of the lighting used to illuminate the outdoors is wasted.  According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), 30% of the United States' outdoor lighting is reflected skyward, serving no function but to confuse wildlife and frustrate night sky watchers.

The energy demand resulting from wasteful, misdirected, and inefficient outdoor lighting requires power plants to produce more electricity, causing more pollution. It is estimated that 6 million tons of coal are used every year to meet the demand of excessive lighting fixtures. Misdirected uplighting alone costs the nation's power consumers an estimated $4.5 billion a year in energy bills.  Excess lighting also affects New York's wildlife. Over-lighting and poorly planned outdoor light positioning disrupts the natural order for nocturnal plants and animals.

With the state and nation at a challenging energy crossroads, this common sense measure is particularly timely. The environment, consumers and night sky-gazers are not the only beneficiaries; carefully engineered lighting will help bring considerate aesthetics and an improved sense of civil community to all New York municipalities.

Environmental Advocates of New York strongly supports this bill.