Res. No. 1258

Resolution calling upon the New York State Assembly and the New York State Senate to enact Bills No. A.07438 and No. S.04346, the Healthy, Safe and Energy Efficient Outdoor Lighting Act.

By Council Members Gerson, Brewer, Fidler, James, Liu and Mendez

Whereas, Poorly designed and excessive outdoor lighting wastes energy, resulting both in higher costs for providing such lighting and in increased pollution from power plants that produce the wasted electricity; and

Whereas, There is increasing concern about climate change and the unnecessary release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere; and

Whereas, It is estimated that $3 to $4.5 billion a year is wasted in the United States by unintended lighting of the sky rather than the streets, walkways and other areas that outdoor lighting was intended to illuminate; and

Whereas, Poorly designed outdoor lighting can produce glare that is a safety hazard to both drivers and pedestrians; and

Whereas, Inappropriate use of outdoor lighting leads to the loss of true darkness, which can alter the growth cycle of trees and plants and disrupt foraging, feeding, and mating behaviors of animals; and

Whereas, Light that trespasses onto other properties can invade privacy, lessen enjoyment by owners of affected properties, interfere with sleep and impair the immune system; and

Whereas, Limiting misdirected, excessive, and unnecessary illumination will reduce the cost of outdoor lighting and allow future generations to enjoy the beauty of the stars and to study and learn from the wonders of the night sky; now, therefore be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State Assembly and the New York State Senate to enact Bills No. A.07438 and No. S.04346, the Healthy, Safe and Energy Efficient Outdoor Lighting Act.

JTB

LS 3550

2/4/08