OUTDOOR LIGHTING

A.7438 (Rosenthal, et al.)

S.4364 (Marcellino, et al.)

Summary

This bill would prohibit the installation of new or replacement permanent outdoor lighting by state agencies or public corporations unless certain conditions are met.  This bill also defines light trespass and outlines a means for applying this principle in order to reduce fugitive, blinding glare. It would also authorize the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner to identify appropriate areas for the establishment of "dark sky preserves" to protect wildlife and enhance night sky viewing. 

Explanation

Much of the lighting used to illuminate the outdoors is wasted.  According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), 30 percent of the United States' outdoor lighting is reflected skyward, confusing wildlife and wasting energy.

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 wildlife enthusiasts 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 supports this bill.