Bill > S00583

This bill, called the "Dark Skies Protection Act," aims to regulate outdoor night lighting in New York to preserve and enhance the state's dark sky. It requires all outdoor lighting fixtures to be shielded by January 1, 2026, with some exceptions, such as for worker safety, emergency lighting, and low-wattage fixtures. The bill also prohibits illumination of outdoor recreational facilities between 11 PM and 5 AM, except for certain events. The Department of Environmental Conservation is tasked with developing educational materials and providing information to the public about the law's requirements and exemptions. Municipalities are allowed to enforce the law's provisions, and violators face civil penalties up to $1,000 for non-residential properties.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2023/S583