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Written by Northern Lights, LawServer Attorney-Editor
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Last Updated August 12, 2008 |
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Amateur astronomers, hobby stargazers and just about anyone who enjoys looking up at the Milky Way has been affected by the intrusion of bright ambient lighting. Professional astronomers have it worse, of course. Their high-powered Earth-bound telescopes are extremely sensitive to ambient light. Although space astronomy has received lots of attention recently, there is much research that can only be performed using Earth-bound telescopes.
Dark-sky advocates stress the development and use of task-specific lighting designs: shielded lighting that blocks light from shining upward into the sky or horizontally into unintended areas. Bolstering their case are the potential energy and cost savings from lighting systems that are more efficient at delivering light only where it is needed and replacing conventional outdoor lights with low pressure sodium lighting options. Opponents generally cite concerns about public safety. They contend that regulating outdoor lights could lead to over-regulation, interfering with the ability to protect the public at night. Some businesses are also concerned about their ability to effectively advertise their services at night, while some homeowners express concerns about protecting their property from intruders. Due to the conflicting concerns, most "dark-sky" bills have died before becoming law. Some examples of laws that have been enacted: Regulating Public LandsSeveral states have passed or considered laws that specifically protect certain public lands from the effects of light pollution. Regulating Public WorksSome laws and proposed bills focus on lighting that is installed by the state. For example, Maine's 5 M.R.S. Section 1769 puts limitations on the glare and energy efficiency of state-funded outdoor lighting projects. Regulating Homeowners and BusinessesOnly a few laws or proposed laws have directly targeted homeowners and business owners. |
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