Bulletin: State of Illinois House Adopts Resolution on Better Outdoor Lighting
Yes, the State of Illinois passed the resolution, but more than 13 years ago! The resolution passed before the now widespread use of LED technology. HR0884 resolved to “encourage municipalities and state agencies to adopt suitable outdoor lighting practices based on the principle of applying artificial lights only where it is needed, when it is needed, and only the levels needed, using the best safety and energy-efficiency standards available. More generally, the resolution expressed “our support for improved night preservation practices”.
In support of its resolution, the state house itemized 14 whereas statements. The bases for the resolution included energy waste, global warming, the safety of motorists and pedestrians from glare, light trespass, human health, day and night circadian rhythms, health of flora and fauna, wildlife conservation and, of course, preservation of the night sky and our ability to enjoy the view of the night sky. The resolution encourages the State to be a leader and a positive example for the nation to follow. It encouraged the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center at the University of Illinois to provide “engineering assistance”.
Although the state has not adopted the resolved outdoor lighting practices, late last year, it enacted the Bird-safe Building Act. With respect to outdoor lighting, the Act states that “outside lighting shall be appropriately shielded and minimized subject to security and other mission related requirements”. The act also states that when appropriate, actions shall be taken to “reduce exterior building and site lighting. The intent of the Act is to “preclude bird collisions”.
Albeit 13 years after the house resolution, there is currently pending in the state senate a resolution, SR0064, that resolves that the state senate “declare that local governments in Illinois should abide by the International Dark-Sky Association’s guidelines and lighting principles to help mitigate the effects of light pollution produced by outdoor lighting”. It is expected that the senate will pass and adopt the resolution. (DuPage County and the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County have passed unanimously similar resolutions.)
At the state level, we can make a difference. We all have elected senators and representatives. Each senator and house representative has a website that provides an email address and phone number. Each senator and house representative has a local office and a Springfield office. They have staff. This year, I intend to talk to my senator and representative about light pollution. On behalf of IDAChicago, I encourage all of you to talk to your representatives. The more emails, calls and visits that they receive, the more receptive our senators and house representatives may be to enact additional statutes to address outdoor lighting. Maybe Illinois will soon be the leader and a positive example for the nation to follow!
See this link to find your State of Illinois elected senators and house representatives; https://www.elections.il.gov/ElectionOperations/DistrictLocator/DistrictOfficialSearchByAddress.aspx.