NEMA Applauds New York’s Dark Skies Bill as a Model for Outdoor Lighting

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), Rosslyn, Va., recently praised New York Governor Cuomo for signing into law the Dark Skies bill, which establishes requirements for outdoor lighting applications installed by state agencies. Specifically, the bill requires the use of properly shielded light fixtures to prevent unnecessary up- and side-lighting, thereby reducing sky glow. The bill also limits lighting to only recommended levels for particular applications.     

“We wish to commend the leadership provided by the two authors of this legislation, New York Assembly member Linda Rosenthal and Senator Carl Marcellino. This model legislation is an excellent example of how private stakeholders and our elected leaders can work together to address an issue through legislation,” said NEMA President and CEO Kevin Cosgriff.

NEMA is a leader on this issue and worked for several years with a coalition of the nation’s major industry and advocacy groups that are concerned with quality lighting in the U.S., including the International Association of Lighting Designers, Illuminating Engineering Society, and International Dark-Sky Association, all of whom played a significant role in passing this legislation. The coalition worked with assembly members and the senate to develop this model legislation, which addresses challenges in a comprehensive manner while still following the principles and practice of good lighting design and application.