The Good, The Bad, and The Illegal
Outdoor Lighting Bills
May 14, 2003
Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano signed the "good" outdoor lighting bill (SB
1218)
into law on Monday, May 12, 2003. The law requires the full shielding of
outdoor lighting
fixtures for buildings and associated grounds and parking lots owned by the
state or
cities with a population over 50,000. It also requires energy efficiency for
lighting
systems for those facilities.
The bill, which will become effective 90 days after the current Regular Session
ends,
was the product of collaboration between astronomers, dark skies advocates,
neighborhood
and environmental groups, state agencies, and the League of Arizona Cities and
Towns.
Sen. Gabrielle Giffords was the lead sponsor and was instrumental in ushering
the bill
through the whole process. This state law is a major improvement over an
earlier one passed
nearly 20 years ago.