Bill > H3494

This bill aims to improve outdoor lighting efficiency and reduce light pollution by establishing comprehensive regulations for permanent outdoor lighting fixtures across Massachusetts. The legislation requires the Department of Energy Resources to develop regulations by January 1, 2026 that mandate specific lighting standards, including using fully shielded fixtures for roadway and parking lot lighting, limiting uplight and glare, and restricting the correlated color temperature (CCT) to no more than 3000 Kelvin in most cases. The bill covers various types of lighting including roadway, parking lot, ornamental, façade, and athletic area lighting, with provisions to minimize energy waste, reduce sky glow, and prevent light trespass. Additionally, the bill requires the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to conduct a comprehensive review of existing roadway lighting, analyzing operational costs, safety impacts, and potential improvements, and mandates the Department of Public Utilities to develop a special rate for low-wattage (under 25 watts) unmetered roadway and parking lot lighting fixtures. The regulations include several exemptions for emergency lighting, aviation safety, and specific scenarios where higher illumination might be necessary, ensuring flexibility while promoting energy conservation and dark-sky visibility.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3494