To improve outdoor lighting, conserve energy, and increase dark-sky visibility
If enacted, this bill will require the Department of Energy Resources to formulate comprehensive regulations by January 1, 2026, to mitigate energy waste and light pollution. It will necessitate local governments and state agencies to reevaluate their outdoor lighting setups, ensuring that all installations conform to the new guidelines. The bill also compels municipalities to report on existing lighting practices and will require them to balance necessary public lighting with environmental considerations. Consequently, towns and cities may need to adjust their budgets and operations to meet the new requirements.
House Bill H3494 aims to improve outdoor lighting across Massachusetts while conserving energy and enhancing dark-sky visibility. The bill introduces a new section to Chapter 85 of the General Laws, which establishes definitions for various lighting terms, including correlated color temperature, light trespass, and fully shielded fixtures. It mandates that municipal and state projects comply with specific regulations regarding lighting fixtures, ensuring they minimize energy waste and light pollution. The legislation emphasizes the use of fully shielded fixtures for roadway and parking-lot lighting unless exceptions, such as ornamental lighting, apply.
Notably, the bill aims to address the balance between public safety and environmental concerns. Advocates assert that minimizing excessive outdoor lighting reduces light pollution, enhances nighttime visibility of stars, and promotes environmental health. However, dissenting voices may express concerns regarding the potential costs for municipalities in adapting to the new standards and possible challenges in ensuring adequate public safety lighting. The bill includes provisions for exemptions, which may be a point of debate, as they could lead to inconsistencies in how different municipalities implement these regulations.