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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 at least 30%
22 of all 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 releases 21 million tons of carbon dioxide and costs $3.3
27 billion per year;
28 WHEREAS, humans and wildlife rely on the earth's daily cycle of light and dark, and
29 research suggests that light pollution has a negative effect on sleep cycles;
30 WHEREAS, light pollution negatively impacts astronomers who rely on the darkness of
31 skies to observe, study, and further scientific knowledge;
32 WHEREAS, while outdoor lighting is sometimes used to increase public safety, there is
33 no clear scientific evidence showing increased outdoor lighting deters crime;
34 WHEREAS, a 1997 National Institute of Justice study concluded, "We can have very
35 little confidence that improved lighting prevents crime," and another study by the City of
36 Chicago found a correlation between increased crime and brightly lit alleyways;
37 WHEREAS, in 1999, the state of New Mexico passed legislation that required all
38 outdoor light fixtures to adhere to IDA standards, which has successfully increased dark skies,
39 which are areas where the darkness of the night sky is relatively free of interference from light
40 pollution;
41 WHEREAS, IDA has a program that designates an "International Dark Sky Park" as an
42 area possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal
43 environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, or public
44 enjoyment;
45 WHEREAS, as of 2017, there are eight IDA-designated dark sky parks in Utah, and
46 receiving additional designations could help promote the growing tourism industry by
47 encouraging visitors who seek the benefits of dark skies; and
48 WHEREAS, adhering to IDA standards for outdoor lighting would help preserve and
49 enhance the clarity of dark skies while maintaining safety, and move Utah toward a more
50 sustainable future:
51 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah, the
52 Governor concurring therein, encourages Utahns to transition outdoor lighting from unshielded
53 to shielded in accordance with IDA standards in order to preserve and enhance dark skies
54 throughout the state.
55 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature explore appropriate measures, with
56 input from key stakeholders, that will encourage a complete transition to shielded outdoor
57 lighting.
Legislative Review Note
Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel