By J. Kelly Beatty
International Dark-Sky Association (MA Chapter)
In the natural environment, we take the day-night cycle for granted. But human activities have altered that daily given. Our days are rarely spent outdoors, exposing us to full-spectrum sunlight. And, increasingly, the deep dark of night is muddied by artificial illumination. Yes, our 24/7 society requires a certain amount of light at night for safety and security. But the light pollution it creates represents a threat to nocturnal habitats, disrupts our circadian balance, wastes energy, and robs us of enjoying the night sky’s glorious canopy of stars.
Volunteer members of the International Dark-Sky Association have introduced legislation that, if enacted, would provide a crucial first step in combating light pollution throughout the Commonwealth. Known on Beacon Hill as “the dark-sky bills,” these identical filings in the House (H.3306) and Senate (S.2147) would promote common-sense lighting practices by:
- requiring municipal- and state-funded projects to use fully-shielded exterior lighting in new or replacement installations, and to install that lighting only where it is needed;
- requiring these installations to use lighting with a correlated color temperature (CCT) of no higher than 3000K, which researchers advocate for human circadian health and nocturnal habitats.
- establishing maximum illumination thresholds for municipal- and state-funded lighting projects
- requiring the Mass. Dept. of Transportation to review and update its criteria for roadway lighting to conform to commonly accepted best practices; and
- requiring the Mass. Department of Public Utilities to establish reduced-rate tariffs for low-wattage LED streetlights and for streetlights that are dimmed or turned off during the night. This would benefit towns that want to install LED streetlights, particularly if they’re opting for electronic dimming controls.
The Massachusetts Sierra Club has emerged as a key ally in curbing light pollution generally and in backing this statewide legislative effort. With the full support of Chapter Director Deb Pasternak, MA Sierra Club is serving as the anchor for a “sign-on letter” for other environmental stakeholders that will be presented to the Legislature in support of the dark-sky legislation.
You, as individual members of this state’s Sierra Club chapter, can raise awareness of light pollution in two ways. First, please send a message to Rep Roy, House Chairman of Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy Committee (TUE), urging him to report the bill favorably out of committee. (This information sheet has more details about why this legislation is worthy of enactment.) Second, in the coming weeks, take the time to go outside on a Moonless night to rekindle your connection with the stars — and to remind yourself that truly dark nights are crucial to sustaining the natural environment.
Take Action! Send Rep Roy a Message Now!
Photo credits: J. Kelly Beatty
If you have questions about light pollution and how it affects your community, contact Kelly Beatty at kbeatty@darksky.org.