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8 LONG TITLE
9 General Description:
10 This concurrent resolution encourages the use of shielded outdoor lighting to promote
11 dark skies.
12 Highlighted Provisions:
13 This resolution:
14 ▸ recognizes the harmful effects of light pollution;
15 ▸ identifies the benefits of shielded outdoor lighting and dark skies; and
16 ▸ encourages the transition from unshielded to shielded outdoor lighting.
17 Special Clauses:
18 None
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20 Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah, the Governor concurring therein:
21 WHEREAS, the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) estimates that 30-60% of all
22 outdoor lighting in the United States, which includes lighting for architecture, parking,
23 landscaping, advertising, and streets, is wasted because of unshielded outdoor lights;
24 WHEREAS, when outdoor light is not shielded, the light is allowed to shine in various
25 directions that are not of use, creating light pollution;
26 WHEREAS, light pollution is the artificial brightening of the night sky due to light that
27 escapes from poorly designed light fixtures;
28 WHEREAS, property owners and municipalities could reduce their power costs by
29 discontinuing the use of unshielded light fixtures;
30 WHEREAS, humans and wildlife rely on the earth's daily cycle of light and dark, and
31 research suggests that light pollution has a negative effect on sleep cycles;
32 WHEREAS, light pollution negatively impacts astronomers who rely on the darkness of
33 skies to observe, study, and further scientific knowledge;
34 WHEREAS, in 1999, the state of New Mexico passed legislation that required all
35 outdoor light fixtures to adhere to IDA standards, which has successfully increased dark skies,
36 which are areas where the darkness of the night sky is relatively free of interference from light
37 pollution;
38 WHEREAS, IDA has a program that designates an "International Dark Sky Park" as an
39 area possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal
40 environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, or public
41 enjoyment;
42 WHEREAS, as of 2018, there are ten IDA-designated dark sky parks in Utah, and
43 receiving additional designations could help promote the growing tourism industry by
44 encouraging visitors who seek the benefits of dark skies; and
45 WHEREAS, adhering to IDA standards for outdoor lighting would help preserve and
46 enhance the clarity of dark skies while maintaining safety, and move Utah toward a more
47 sustainable future:
48 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah, the
49 Governor concurring therein, encourages Utahns to transition outdoor lighting from unshielded
50 to shielded in accordance with IDA standards in order to preserve and enhance dark skies
51 throughout the state.