Arkansas House Bill HB1607

Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/13/23
• Refer: 3/13/23
• Failed: 5/1/23

Caption

To Create The Arkansas Nighttime Environment Protection Act; And To Repeal The Shielded Outdoor Lighting Act.

Impact

If enacted, HB1607 would significantly alter Arkansas's approach to outdoor lighting by instituting regulations that mandate 'full cutoff' lighting fixtures with specific lumens ratings and color temperature limitations. This means that only fixtures emitting a minimal amount of light above a horizontal plane will be permitted, thereby reducing light trespass and glare. The bill also provides a pathway for utilities to recover compliance costs through an interim surcharge, although strict limits are placed on the amount that can be charged. These new standards are expected to promote sustainability while enhancing the quality of public spaces through improved night visibility and reduced environmental degradation.

Summary

House Bill 1607, also known as the Arkansas Nighttime Environment Protection Act, aims to regulate outdoor lighting systems to enhance public safety, conserve energy, and preserve the state's natural nighttime environment. The bill seeks to replace the existing Shielded Outdoor Lighting Act by establishing stricter guidelines that ensure outdoor lighting fixtures are energy-efficient and minimize light pollution. Proponents argue that the excessive and inefficient use of street lighting not only wastes taxpayer dollars but also disrupts both human and animal circadian rhythms, contributing to health issues such as suppressed melatonin production and increased cancer rates.

Contention

Opponents of HB1607 may raise concerns related to the potential financial implications for municipalities and taxpayers, particularly those tasked with upgrading existing lighting fixtures to comply with the new regulations. Furthermore, provisions that allow municipalities to determine exemptions based on specific safety concerns could lead to varying interpretations and implementations across different localities. Critics argue that this could create a patchwork of regulations that fails to standardize essential lighting requirements equally throughout the state, thus undermining the bill's intent to provide uniform protection against light pollution.