Bill > S3138

Introduced Session

This bill would require outdoor lighting fixtures installed or replaced by, or on behalf of, a State agency, or at projects receiving public moneys from a State agency, to meet certain criteria in order to reduce light pollution. The bill would require outdoor lighting fixtures installed or replaced by, or on behalf of, a State agency, or as part of a project that receives funds from a State agency, to comply with the following: (1) the luminaire is a fully shielded luminaire; (2) the outdoor lighting fixture emits only as much light as necessary for the intended purpose and shall not exceed the minimum illuminance level recommended for that purpose by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America or the Federal Highway Administration; (3) the outdoor lighting fixture uses a full cutoff fixture when the output of light is greater than 1,800 lumens; and (4) full consideration has been given to energy conservation, reducing glare, minimizing light trespass and light pollution, and preserving the natural night environment. The bill would not apply if the: the outdoor lighting fixture is used on a temporary basis because emergency personnel require additional illumination for emergency procedures; the outdoor lighting fixture is used on a temporary basis for nighttime work; or a compelling safety interest exists that cannot be addressed by another method. In addition, in the case of outdoor lighting fixtures installed along roadways, the bill requires the Department of Transportation to assess whether the purpose of the outdoor lighting fixture can be achieved by the installation of reflective road markers, lines, warning or informational signs, or other effective passive methods in lieu of the installation of outdoor lighting fixtures. The provisions of the bill would take effect on the first day of the third month after the bill is enacted into law. At least 18 other states have enacted laws intended to reduce light pollution in order to promote energy conservation, public safety, aesthetic interests, and astronomical research capabilities. Taking actions to address light pollution will reduce energy usage and energy costs, while also helping to protect and preserve New Jersey's natural nighttime environment. Unshielded outdoor lights are responsible for emitting pollutants and wasted light, and over-lighting during non-daylight hours neither improves visibility nor increases nighttime safety. This bill would help to remove unnecessary lighting and utilize efficient light sources in order to save money and improve the natural nighttime environment.

Committee Categories

Andrew Zwicker (D)*, 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee (on 10/03/2022)

Official Document