The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) says
it is ���the only nonprofit organization fighting to
preserve the night.��� Its efforts have definitely made
people worldwide more aware of lighting pollution
(Washington, D.C. light pollution pictured), and has
influenced specifers to choose shielded fixtures for
outdoor lighting www.darksky.org/outdoorlighting/74manufacturers. A new light pollution law goes into
effect this summer in France.
IMAgE: InTErnATIonAL DArk-Sky ASSoCIATIon
France on Board
for Dark Skies
French Ecology Minister Delphine Batho
has announced a new lighting law to reduce
light pollution and save energy. Shops and
offices throughout France will soon be
required to turn off their lights overnight.
Under the new law, which goes into effect
July 1, 2013, lights in shop windows must
be extinguished by 1:00 a.m. Interior lights
in offices and other nonresidential buildings
must be turned off an hour after the last
employee leaves. Local councils can make
exceptions for Christmas, special occasions
and in certain tourist areas.
The move is projected to save 250,000 tons
of CO2, enough energy to power 750,000
French households for a year.
Minister Batho hopes the law will change
attitudes in France, and help the country
become a pioneer in reducing light pollution.
The ���pioneer��� in light pollution is the
International Dark-Sky Association (IDA)
www.darksky.org. Man-made lighting, of
course, mars our view of the stars, but
also impacts scientific observations of the
cosmos, ���disrupts ecosystems, affects human
circadian rhythms and wastes energy to the
tune of $2.2 billion per year in the U.S.
alone,��� says IDA.
Information Request # 562
Information Request # 560
April 2013 95