A proposed New York State Dark Skies Protection Act is making its way through Albany, with the goal of reducing light pollution, saving energy, protecting wildlife and, perhaps most importantly, giving New Yorkers a chance to remember what the night sky actually looks like.
If passed, the law would require most outdoor lighting across the state to be shielded, meaning the light would have to point down instead of blasting sideways and upward into the sky. That provision would kick in January 1, 2028.
And then comes the really interesting part: outdoor recreational facilities would generally have to turn their lights off between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. There are exceptions, including events that are already underway.
So yes, theoretically, there could be a night when New York actually tells the lights, “Alright, everybody go home.”
The idea isn’t just about making the sky prettier. Artificial light can interfere with wildlife, particularly migrating birds, which can become disoriented by bright buildings and other nighttime lighting. Supporters also point to wasted electricity and concerns about how excessive nighttime light affects people’s natural sleep cycles.
But before anyone starts panicking that New York is going to become a giant blackout zone, there are plenty of exemptions. Emergency lighting, highway and airport navigation lighting and other essential safety lighting would remain. Certain historic or culturally significant lighting could also qualify for exemptions, and some high-density areas would be treated differently.
And here’s the big thing: this is still a proposal — it is NOT currently a statewide law. The bill is working its way through the legislature, and it has already received committee consideration in the Assembly.
Still, imagine the potential upside for Long Island. Less glowing sky, fewer obnoxious floodlights shining directly into your bedroom window, and maybe — just maybe — a few more stars visible from your backyard.
Of course, there is one downside: If this passes, you may finally have to admit that the mysterious glowing object you’ve been calling a UFO for the last five years was actually just your neighbor’s ridiculously bright backyard light.
And honestly, that’s probably the real light pollution problem we need to solve.