Regulating Light Pollution

State officials are considering legislation that would control the growing problem of light pollution.

1 minute read

March 24, 2001, 8:00 AM PST

By Christian Madera @http://www.twitter.com/cpmadera


"Harvard is one of a growing number of communities in Massachusetts enforcing rules to stop the "light pollution" that is running rampant across much of the state. Tired of all the glare and the wasted energy from beaming light into the sky, towns from Plymouth to Townsend are requiring outdoor lights to be equipped with shields so they only shine down where the people are. Now, a group of astronomers, homeowners, outdoorsmen, and starry sky lovers believe this may be the year the Legislature finally passes a law requiring new state-funded lights to have the glare-reducing shields. It's their ninth try, but they say the evidence has never been stronger: The law would cost no money, save energy, cut road glare, and allow people to better see the stars that have inspired everything from religion to navigation."

Thanks to Christian Peralta

Friday, March 23, 2001 in The Boston Globe

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Wastewater pouring out from a pipe.

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage

Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

April 13, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 16, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Black and white photos of camp made up of small 'earthquake shacks' in Dolores Park in 1906 after the San Francisco earthquake.

The 120 Year Old Tiny Home Villages That Sheltered San Francisco’s Earthquake Refugees

More than a century ago, San Francisco mobilized to house thousands of residents displaced by the 1906 earthquake. Could their strategy offer a model for the present?

April 15, 2025 - Charles F. Bloszies

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20 - Streetsblog USA

Close-up on BLM sign on Continental Divide Trail in Rawlins, Wyoming.

BLM To Rescind Public Lands Rule

The change will downgrade conservation, once again putting federal land at risk for mining and other extractive uses.

April 20 - Public Domain

Calvary Street bridge over freeway in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Indy Neighborhood Group Builds Temporary Multi-Use Path

Community members, aided in part by funding from the city, repurposed a vehicle lane to create a protected bike and pedestrian path for the summer season.

April 20 - Smart Cities Dive