We’ll start off with the question, is light actually “pollution”? Or is simply a result of living a modern lifestyle, so that people can go out after dark, instead of huddling and hiding in shacks against the predators of the night? Anyhow, once again, a good, sensible idea is taken to Stupid
The push to turn down the lights in American cities is gaining broad support from several unlikely allies — from conservationists and builders to city planners and the military.
Dark-sky legislation — laws requiring such measures as shielding outdoor lighting to reduce light pollution — has been embraced by about 300 counties, cities and towns.
More than 50 state bills have been introduced in the past two years, and seven were enacted. Eighteen states —Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont, Virginia and Wyoming — have adopted dark-sky legislation in recent years, according to Bob Parks, executive director of the Tucson-based International Dark-Sky Association
From an aesthetic viewpoint, this is not actually that bad of an idea. The military supports it, especially in Texas, as the story goes on to point out, because it is hard to simulate what it’s like to fight in a 3rd world guano hole, sorry, developing nation, especially from the air. And, hey, it’s wonderful to look up at the stars and see lots and lots of stars. And there is nothing wrong with saving some energy and money, especially when it is your tax dollars. Aiming lights, especially ones like street lights, downwards, will reduce the overall amount of light needed, and reduce energy costs. One article I read about this a few months ago discussed putting inexpensive shields over street lights that will reflect most of the light that is lost with current types downward, lighting a broader area. Overall, a good idea. Nothing wrong with energy efficiency, reduced costs, a more revealing skyline, and not messing with wildlife nighttime patterns.
Buuuuuuuuuut, of course, that really isn’t why the mostly liberal groups have pushed this meme, and labeled it “pollution”
“It’s a broad environmental issue, and it’s also a safety issue,” Parks says. “It’s a pure waste of energy, dollars, and it contributes to greenhouse emissions. … For every watt of electricity used needlessly, somewhere a coal power plant is generating that electricity.”
Our old friend climate alarmism. So, of course, what we need is ……. more government regulation!
Smaller cities have been more aggressive in changing outdoor lighting laws. Southampton, N.Y., recently passed an ordinance after more than a two-year tug of war that pitted environmentalists against citizens concerned about safety. The law sets wattage limits and the hours that outdoor lights can be left on.
“Cities and local governments can adopt policies … but it’s more forceful if the state legislature comes in,” says Melissa Savage, program director in Washington for the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Yay, government! Unshockingly, these enviro-weenies want to put a nebulous, cult like belief in man-induced global warming, and not messing up the sleep patterns of squirrels, over the safety of citizens. Is it any wonder that liberal cities tend to have much more violence and crime than conservative cities? I blame……Jonn Lilyea and Allahpundit, who both live in Big Cities, which have tons of streetlights.
PS: It’ll be fun when the alarmists whine about not being able to go out at night to their big fundraisers because it is too dangerous, thanks to reduced ambient light at night. They’ll certainly be the first ones mugged: predators tend to prey on the weak.
Crossed at Right Wing News and Stop The ACLU
This is an enviromental issue with a great degree of relevance. We most definitely have too much light at night. It is only presumed that the light decreases crime. Actually, the exact opposite is true. In addition, the color of the light is responsible for a considerable amount of anxiety that you feel when you go outside in the evening. I love to watch the stars, but this is impossible except in the most rural of areas. I agree that the energy expendurature is excessive and unwarrented.
Ummm.. I would rather walk down a lit city street with building lights ablaze, than one that is unlit and the buildings windows’ shades drawn.
That was the point in the first place for installing city lights – SAFETY for its citizens.
Question, where and what idiots install street lights that DON”T point downwards?!?! Isn’t that the point of a “street” light? To light up the street? Then why install a light that doesn’t??!? I find that this occurs to be rather suspect.
One thing that I could understand is the limiting the number of highway lights installed within city limits.
Suggestions like this only come from the same people – the anti-human humans. They want people to go back to living in caves but without the campfires and living a vegan lifestyle. But only if that cave is not used by an animal though. Animals must come first.
Sad thing though, they never live the lifestyle they want to inflict upon the rest of the common people. Telling?
If you look at the average modern street light, they no longer have half ball covers, they have those plastic ones, which tend to spread the light out and up, rather than just down. Putting reflectors over them would solve much of the problem, and actually provide more light for the streets. Obviously, that is just too damned simple for the alarmists, though.
I further suggest that all liberal cocktail parties and fundraisers are held in the dark.
ok, who’s the idiot that authorized a street light that does not put all of its light upon the street!?!?!?
And now, they want us to spend more money to fix their mistake?!?!?
captain,
The fact is that street lights produce a substance that difuses. The main reason you can not see the sky is that the lights are shining down into you face!! As to security, produce one document showing that lights aid security. The fact is that criminals prefer an area that is well lit. That way they can tell what they are doing. A number of studies documented in the various Sky and Telescope magazine examined this problem and found that security is an illusion. Much as the security at the airport. The only real security comes from bring along friends, like Smith and Wesson. They and a dog work every time.
Remeber, I am a believer in the fact that global warming is bunk. This is real.
Yep, because it is best if everyone carries their own flashlights around for their own personal safety.
And, I have yet to hear how street lights harm the galaxy’s planets or the universe’s stars.
As to security, produce one document showing that lights aid security.
http://www.lrc.rpi.edu/researchareas/security.asp