It’s easy for it to escape our notice, but we are losing the night sky.
Source on both images: Light Pollution in the United States - Vivid Maps
Light pollution is increasing at 9.6% per GloberatNight.org 2023 report.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
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- Deleterious impacts on human health
- Energy Waste
- Loss of heritage for future generations: light pollution blocks our view of the universe
- Impact on safety (light glare)
- Ecology Impacts
POLICY IDEA:
I am suggesting any one of the following approaches that would demonstrate the federal government’s/Trump administration support of this issue:
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The federal government could lead the way on this issue by considering retrofitting light sources on federal lands with accessories that minimize their light pollution impact. There are many options that have been developed for this purpose “Dark Sky Approved Products”
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Put support, if warranted, behind a current bipartisan bill on this issue, known as the Dark and Quiet Skies Act ( S.4952), championed by Senators John Hickenlooper (D-CO) and Mike Crapo (R-ID). As of 8/1/24, this was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, Transportation.
a) Supporting bipartisan bills would be a good thing for this administration that will have many, many opponents in the District.
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There are 18 states with existing light pollution laws. The new administration could consider ways to support the states in their own initiatives on this topic, and encourage other states to create their own initiatives on this issue. Here is a map of states with light pollution laws
IMPACTS OF LOW LYING SATELLITES:
A big issue that suggests the federal government is necessary on this, involves the rapid proliferation of low lying satellites. Unfortunately, this includes Starlink, which recent events have shown is helping a lot of people with their communication needs in rural areas, or areas hit by extreme weather. Low lying satellites do have a deleterious effect on light pollution. Dark Sky International has said the following about this issue:
As we stand on the brink of a new frontier in satellite technology—with projections suggesting an increase from the current 9,000 satellites to over 500,000 by 2030—the urgency for proactive measures has become paramount. [There is a] need to address the rapid expansion of satellites, which threatens the integrity of our global night skies…
Dark skies enrich rural economies, preserve Indigenous knowledge, protect nocturnal ecosystems, and inspire wonder. Our cosmic view is a shared heritage that we all have a stake in protecting.”
– Ruskin Hartley, CEO, DarkSky International
Please see: Space.com article: Starlink satellites: Facts, tracking and impact on astronomy
IMPORTANT INFORMATION SOURCES:
- Saving the dark skies presentation by Dark Sky International: a good starting point for learning more
- Model lighting ordinance
- “Losing the Dark” (brief 6 minute film)
- Defending the Dark, PBS film, 25 minutes
IMPORTANT WEBSITES:
- Dark Sky International
- CieloBuio : an Italian coordination for the protection of the night sky