The Healthy, Safe, and Energy Efficient Outdoor Lighting Act (Bill A1478/S4105) has been introduced for the 2011-2012 legislative session. Additionally, a slimmed-down version of this bill has been introduced as Bill A7902/S4191. Please encourage your Senate and Assembly representatives to co-sponsor and vote for the passage of these bills. Click here to locate your representatives. A handwritten letter is probably best. But a typed letter, fax, or even an email will get a legislator's attention as long as it seems to be an original, individual expression rather than a form letter.

In addition, four "mini-bills" dealing with light pollution have been active in the Legislature in recent years. One of these, A5655/S4920 of 2009-2010, was enacted last year; this bill amends the Energy law by adding elimination of "wasteful artificial night lighting" as a matter to be included in lighting efficiency standards to conserve energy.

A1474/S4949 was passed by both houses of the Legislature in 2011 and is now awaiting the Governor's signature. This amends the Public Authorities law by adding to NYSERDA's responsibilities the gathering of information on "the availability and use of the most energy efficient and environmentally sensitive outdoor lighting available for public and private uses."

Two other mini-bills await action in 2012. A1846/S4850 amends the Environmental Conservation law to add "the nighttime sky" to the list of issues with which the State, as a matter of policy, should be concerned. A1833 (no Senate version yet) amends the Public Health law to add "health effects of artifical night light" as a matter on which the State can conduct or support research.

Prior years' bills information here.