Bill > LD1934

This bill establishes new regulations for responsible outdoor lighting for public entities in Maine, aiming to reduce light pollution and its negative impacts, with most provisions taking effect on September 30, 2026. It defines key terms such as "ANSI/IES lighting standard," which refers to guidelines for adequate outdoor lighting that minimizes skyglow, and "fully shielded luminaire," meaning a light fixture that directs all light downwards. The bill mandates that starting October 1, 2026, new or replaced public outdoor lighting, with some exceptions, must adhere to specific light levels, limit light trespass into protected natural areas to 0.1 lux, and ensure that luminaires emitting over 1,000 lumens are fully shielded and direct minimal light upwards. Nonessential lighting, like decorative or advertising lights, must be turned off during nighttime hours, and the maximum color temperature for most outdoor lights is set at 3,000 kelvins to reduce glare and ecological disruption. Special provisions are made for outdoor sports lighting, allowing higher lumen output and color temperatures under specific conditions, and the bill outlines various exemptions for situations where federal regulations, public safety, emergency responses, or historical preservation require different lighting. The Department of Administrative and Financial Services is authorized to adopt rules for implementation and establish further exemptions, while municipalities are empowered to enact their own ordinances that can be stricter than state requirements, provided they do not conflict with existing road lighting regulations.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1934&snum=132