Bill > H2878

This bill aims to improve outdoor lighting by setting new standards for permanent outdoor lighting fixtures and their operating costs when state funds are involved, with the goal of increasing dark-sky visibility and reducing light pollution. It defines terms like "fully shielded fixture" (a light that doesn't emit light upwards), "correlated color temperature" (the color of the light, with lower numbers being warmer and higher numbers cooler), and "light trespass" (light spilling onto neighboring properties). The bill stipulates that state funds cannot be used for new permanent outdoor fixtures, including roadway and parking-lot lighting, unless they are fully shielded, or for façade lighting unless glare, sky glow (light scattered upwards), and light trespass are minimized, and the light emitted has a color temperature no higher than 4000K. It also specifies that only necessary illuminance levels should be used, and local regulations take precedence if they are stricter. Certain exceptions are made, such as for temporary emergency lighting, aviation safety, athletic fields (with minimization of light pollution), and the replacement of damaged fixtures. The Department of Energy Resources will create regulations to enforce these rules, and the Department of Transportation will study lighting costs and best practices, while the Department of Public Utilities will develop a rate for "part-night service" (electricity for lights that only operate part of the night).