We have officially kicked off the legislative effort with a new dark-sky bill, titled “An Act to improve outdoor lighting, conserve energy, and increase dark-sky visibility.” Identical versions have been filed in the Senate by Sen. Cynthia Creem and in the House by Reps. Sean Garballey and Simon Cataldo, long-time supporters of our efforts.

Initially, the bills had temporary docket numbers (HD.2747 and SD.1219). But now they have been officially recorded by the Legislature’s Clerk as H.3164 and S.2102 and referred to the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy for further consideration. These bills are essentially identical to the “as amended” versions that we tried to get passed during the last session. 

Now it’s up to all of us to get our Senators and Representatives not only to support these bills but also to co-sponsor them. This is where you come in. Check this online “scorecard” to see if any of your legislators are co-sponsoring the bill. If they already are, please contact their offices to thank them for their support. And if not, then persuade them to do so!

To help you, here is a simple, two-page fact sheet that explains why this legislation is needed and what it will accomplish once signed into law.