Dr. John Barentine FRAS

"A second piece of legislation, the Dark Skies Protection Act, S.7663/A5632 would significantly reduce #LightPollution in #NewYork by requiring most non-essential outdoor #lighting be covered by an external shield, be motion-activated, or be turned off between 11 PM and 5 AM. ... The Dark Skies Act will help create a safer environment for #birds by reducing the #ArtificialLight in our night skies."

https://www.nysenate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2024/brad-hoylman-sigal/legislators-advocates-rename-statewide-bird-safe

#UnitedStates #LightingPolicy #ALAN #Flaco

Legislators, Advocates Rename Statewide Bird Safe Buildings Act the “FLACO Act”

NEW YORK — Today, in the wake of the untimely death of Flaco, the Eurasion eagle-owl that captured the hearts and minds of New Yorkers upon escaping from the Central Park Zoo after an individual vandalized his enclosure, New York State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal (D/WFP-Manhattan) and Assembly Member Anna Kelles, along with New York City Audubon and Audubon New York (the state office of National Audubon Society), are announcing a renewed push for two pieces of legislation that will make the skies safer for birds.

NYSenate.gov
Feb 26, 2024 at 9:06pmWeb
Show threadMichael Bishop ☕Feb 26, 2024

@JohnBarentine

I have recently started researching dark sky options here in Boise, Idaho.

Show threadMichael Bishop ☕Feb 29, 2024

@JohnBarentine

This great to see. Are you aware of any other states addressing light pollution at the legislative level?

Show threadDr. John Barentine FRASFeb 29, 2024
@MichaelBishop There are a few in the current session. Besides New York, I'm aware of bills in Pennsylvania, Hawaii and Illinois.
Show threadMichael Bishop ☕Feb 29, 2024

@JohnBarentine

Thanks. I will search them out to see how they are approaching it. I am looking at creating a movement to significantly reduce light pollution here in Idaho.

Show threadDr. John Barentine FRASFeb 29, 2024
@MichaelBishop That would be great -- I am unaware of any organized efforts in Idaho so far, but you have tremendous resources like the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve. Well worth fighting for!
Show threadMichael Bishop ☕Feb 29, 2024

@JohnBarentine

I am meeting tomorrow with one of the Central Idaho organizers too learn about it and what we can do at the state level.

Show threadDr. John Barentine FRASFeb 29, 2024
@MichaelBishop Great! I hope that goes well. There are some state bills worth looking at that I can point you toward. I've also got some model state legislation written while I was on staff at IDA that I can provide, if it would help. The legislative process can be daunting, but it can also be managed with a project plan.