New York, NY – Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF-Manhattan) announced that her bill to create new lighting standards for state-owned or maintained facilities to reduce light pollution and increase the use of energy efficient lighting became law today.

“With the enactment of my bill into law, all state-owned facilities will be required to purchase more energy efficient lighting that excessive glare and makes the night sky more visible to all those who would gaze upon it,” said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal. “In addition to being inefficient and wasteful, an overabundance of artificial light creates a haze around big cities, and causes some to wonder whether there are any stars in the sky at all. This law will help to preserve the beauty of the night and also reduce wasteful light; I am so pleased that the Governor signed it into law.

Fully shielded light fixtures are covered on all sides and direct the light through a single focal point, thereby preventing excessive lighting that produced distracting and wasteful glare. Glare can produce night blindness in drivers and can be hazardous to people and animals.

The law, which will go into effect in one year, was sponsored by Carl Marcellino in the Senate, and will prohibit the use of state funds for lighting that is not fully shielded or that does not otherwise reduce glare or sky glow. “New York State is taking the first step needed to protect our night sky, in addition to saving energy,” said Senator Carl L. Marcellino (R-Syosset). “Our children should have the excitement of finding the Big Dipper without a long drive into the country.”

For years, Assemblymember Rosenthal has worked with dark skies and environmental advocates from across the state to pass this bill into law. Gail Clyma, a leading advocate in the effort to reduce light pollution, said, “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 law will start New York on a path to reducing all these adverse impacts. We are delighted that the Governor has approved this bill, and are grateful to Assemblymember Rosenthal and Senator Marcellino for their steadfast support over the years.”