Reducing light pollution can mitigate wildlife impacts, lower energy costs, and support a growing ‘Dark Sky’ appreciation economy
AUGUSTA – On Jan. 7 Gov. Janet Mills announced that LD 1934, An Act to Promote Responsible Outdoor Lighting, will become law. The law will require that new or replacement lighting installed using public funds or on public property meets standards that prevent light pollution, while allowing exemptions for safety, transportation, and sports-related activities. To help support municipalities in their work to reduce light pollution, the law also directs the Maine Office of Community Affairs to develop a responsible outdoor lighting model ordinance.
Wasteful and unnecessary artificial lighting can produce demonstrable effects on the behavior and population ecology of wildlife, including migratory birds. Like humans, animals and plants live by a rhythm that is attuned to our planet’s 24-hour lightness and darkness cycle. Similar to what humans experience when their circadian rhythms are disrupted (such as when we change time zones and during daylight savings time), wildlife experience a disorientation of time when there is too much artificial light at night. This “disorientation” affects a broad set of wildlife and is fairly easily avoided.
In May of last year, the State and Local Government Committee heard supportive testimony from environmental groups, astronomers, smart growth organizations, and community members from across the state. Key arguments in favor of reducing light pollution included impacts to safety, health, wildlife and ecosystems, energy waste, and dark night skies. Nearly half of all US states have passed laws to reduce light pollution. See Maine Audubon’s testimony here.
Maine Audubon Advocacy Director Francesca Gundrum issued the following statement. “Light pollution contributes to insect decline, bird migration shifts, and amphibian life cycle disruption. By requiring public infrastructure to embrace responsible lighting standards, this law will help protect Maine’s famously dark skies.”
Since 1843, Maine Audubon has worked to conserve Maine wildlife and wildlife habitat by engaging people in education, conservation, and action. The oldest and largest Maine-based conservation organization, Maine Audubon has eight public centers and sanctuaries across the state, seven chapters, and 30,000 members, volunteers, and supporters and connects with more than 250,000 people annually.