New York, NY – Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF-Manhattan) today announced that her bill creating new lighting standards for state-owned or maintained facilities designed to reduce light pollution and increase efficiency, passed both the Senate and the Assembly, and is headed to the Governor’s for approval.

“Growing up in New York City, the bright lights of the big city obscured the beauty of the night sky. It wasn’t until I attended the University of Rochester, that I truly saw a night sky bursting with stars,” said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal. “This bill, once it’s signed into law by the Governor, will help to reduce the glare caused by unshielded lighting that blocks so much of the night sky, and will provide everyone with a clearer vista to the stars.”

The bill, A.7489-B/S.5275-B, which was sponsored by Carl Marcellino in the Senate, prohibits the use of state funds for lighting that is not fully shielded or otherwise reduces glare or sky glow.

Fully shielded light fixtures are covered on all sides, and direct the light through a single point. Fully shielded lighting fixtures prevent dangerous glare which can cause night blindness in drivers and sky glow, which prevents us from enjoying a starry night sky.

Assemblymember Rosenthal has worked for years with the indomitable Gail Clyma, a dark skies advocate, to pass legislation curbing light pollution. “Beyond the loss of our once star-filled night skies, light pollution wastes energy and money, creates hazardous glare, and can be harmful to plants, animals, and people. This legislation will start New York State on a path to reducing all these adverse impacts. We are delighted that the Legislature has approved this bill and are grateful to Assemblymember Rosenthal and Senator Marcellino for their steadfast support over the years.”