Bill > HB407

This bill establishes a program for light pollution education and dark sky preservation, with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) leading public education efforts. The DEQ, in collaboration with other state departments like Energy, Wildlife Resources, and Conservation and Recreation (DCR), will create an outreach program to inform the public about the negative impacts of light pollution on health, safety, wildlife, and the environment, while also promoting best practices for outdoor lighting, such as using energy-efficient and shielded fixtures, and encouraging voluntary adoption of practices that reduce light pollution and energy waste. Additionally, the DCR may designate specific areas as "Dark Sky Preserves," which are areas with natural darkness and night sky quality suitable for astronomy and education, but this designation will be voluntary and advisory, not imposing any new land use or lighting restrictions beyond what local ordinances already require. The bill also defines "light pollution" as the excessive or inappropriate use of artificial light that harms the night sky and ecosystems, and "outdoor lighting" as any artificial light source used outdoors. This initiative will take effect on January 1, 2027.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB407