New York dark skies bill a model for outdoor lighting

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), Rosslyn, Va., praised New York Governor Cuomo for signing the state’s Dark Skies bill, which establishes requirements for outdoor lighting applications installed by state agencies. The bill requires the use of properly shielded light fixtures to prevent unnecessary up- and side-lighting, thereby reducing sky glow. The bill also limits lighting to only recommended levels for particular applications.    

NEMA has worked for several years with a coalition of the nation’s major industry and advocacy groups that are concerned with quality lighting in the U.S., including the International Association of Lighting Designers, Illuminating Engineering Society, and International Dark-Sky Association, all of whom played a significant role in passing this legislation.