Light pollution in night skies object of new state legislation

[The Straight Story]

Light pollution in night skies object of new state legislation
By Virginia Wietecha, Carroll County News

CARROLL COUNTY (AR)- Amateur astronomers are delighted with a new shielded outdoor lighting act which was passed by state legislature last year, even though the law has recently been amended to allow small towns the opportunity to exempt themselves if the fixtures are too expensive.

The bill, which was passed to conserve energy and preserve the environment, states that public funds cannot be used to pay for outdoor lights that are not shielded. This includes searchlights, spotlights, floodlights, parking lot lighting, billboards, and street lighting.

“This also affects schools and state offices because they are all paid for with public funds,” said Misty Osborne, Entergy lighting coordinator.

“The refractors inside the actual fixtures point downward with no extra light pointing up,” said Osborne, “and this reduces light pollution.”

http://www.eurekaspringstimesecho.com/articles/2006/05/15/news/we2.txt

[Bill McBlueState]

1. great!

Not only is this good for astronomy, it makes economic sense. It's cheaper to illuminate less volume.

[The Straight Story]

2. I guess you could say it was a 'bright' idea...err not so bright :) (nt)