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Much outdoor lighting is directed wastefully into
space. Image Credit: NASA/GSFC/Craig Mayhew
and Robert Simmon
The city of Tumwater, Wash. has recently enacted an ordinance aimed at reducing light pollution. The story was reported in The Olympian on Nov. 23.
According to the article by John Dodge the ordinance, which takes effect Jan. 15, "requires most newly installed or replaced outdoor lighting to be fully shielded and directed downward so it doesn’t shoot into the sky, create an unsafe glare for drivers or trespass into neighbors’ homes and property." Dodge reports that Tumwater is the first jurisdiction in the South Puget Sound area to enact such an ordinance.
Astronomy interests have long been advocates for reducing light pollution. The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) and a local chapter, Dark Skies Northwest, have taken up the cause here. Thirty years ago the Milky Way was readily visible in Seattle. Increasing light pollution has blotted out this sight in the city. The Dark Skies Northwest Web site tracks jurisdictions in the region that have taken steps to curb light pollution.
While darker skies would be welcomed by astronomy enthusiasts, the public policy aspects of the issue extend well beyond enjoyment and appreciation of celestial wonders. Excessive and misdirected nighttime lighting wastes billions of dollars worth of energy each year. In addition, there's a growing body of evidence that night lights contribute to sleep disorders and a litany of health issues, including increased cancer risk.
A local coalition known as the Washington Light Pollution Working Group has been pushing for a state-wide law aimed at curbing light pollution. Washington State Rep. Pat Lantz, a Gig Harbor Democrat who is now retired from the legislature, first proposed such a bill during the 2008 legislative session. This year state Rep. Sam Hunt (D-Olympia) sponsored a similar measure, HB 1069, which won approval from the House Committee on Local Government & Housing in February, but was referred to the General Government Appropriations Committee where it languished without a hearing or vote. The House could again take up the measure when the legislature convenes in January, but there's been no indication if there are any prospects for moving the measure in 2010.
Certainly it will take years for Tumwater's ordinance to start having an effect, and significant reductions in light pollution will require similar efforts from many local governments, or a regional or statewide approach. The IDA and the Illuminating Engineering Society have spent more than three years working to develop a model lighting ordinance that may provide a template local governments can use to regulate nighttime lighting in a uniform way. The model ordinance is now under review after a public comment period early this year.
For more information: City of Tumwater lighting ordinance resources
Comments
Great news! Now hopefully this new dark sky thing will ooze up north and finally reach the Seattle area.
I think there has been a lot more awareness of light pollution lately. I have noticed something different in my Renton backyard, the sky has more of a bluish tinge to it rather than the pink that it used to be. Maybe it has something to do with "The Landing" mall down the hill from me.
Tumwater/Olympia area already has much better skies than up here, but it's a start.
Tom
-Renton Astronomer
After driving through New Mexico two weeks ago, and enjoying the lack of glare at night on the freeways, it is good to be greeted at home by this good news for the City of Tumwater.
Driving at night is so much easier in places where there is no glare from lights, where casinos, restaurants and yard lights are all illuminating downward, to only what needs to be seen.
I was surprised again at how bright the "dark wide open spaces" are when starlight and the crescent moon can light up the scenery.
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