Lighting Bill in Colorado Legislature

To: front-range-tac@seds.org
Subject: Re: [FRAC] [Fwd: Lighting Bill in Colorado Legislature]

Hi Ray
Here's the long version!
Leigh

Please share with interested colleagues:

Dec.2000

Dear Colleague:

As a strategic matter, we have been advised to form an independent coalition
of persons interested in proposed Colorado House Bill 618, which requires
state-funded entities to use shielded lighting to reduce light pollution.
See the statement below. While the bill is limited, it is a beginning. The
group, "To: front-range-tac@seds.org
Subject: Re: [FRAC] [Fwd: Lighting Bill in Colorado Legislature]

Hi Ray
Here's the long version!
Leigh

Please share with interested colleagues:

Dec.2000

Dear Colleague:

As a strategic matter, we have been advised to form an independent coalition
of persons interested in proposed Colorado House Bill 618, which requires
state-funded entities to use shielded lighting to reduce light pollution.
See the statement below. While the bill is limited, it is a beginning. The
group, "Colorado Advocates for Smarter Lighting" has no dues or other
membership requirements, but "CASL" provides a focus for the necessary
involvement, and hence protects the non-profit status of clubs, etc.

After reading the following, please respond with an email as to whether you
would like to be considered a member of CASL and remain active for the cause.
The following levels of involvement are all possible:
(1) Join the International Dark Sky Association (www.darksky.org);
(2) Phone or write/email your State reps in support of HB 618;
(3) Appear at the public hearing of HB618 in January at the State Capitol;
(4) Attend CASL meetings in Denver (time and place to be announced).

Appended is the first draft language of proposed House Bill 618 (preliminary
numbering) along with talking points. If you don't know your elected reps,
you can find this out via website: http://www.vote-smart.org/index.phtml
where your zip code will do it. Or call the Capitol at 303-866-2318.
This bill will not solve everything, but it is an important beginning,
especially in the context of Smart Growth discussions. The bill still needs
co-sponsorship. If you know your state senator, you may wish to communicate
an interest in getting his/her help.

STATEMENT REGARDING "CASL"
        Given the opportunity to influence legislation this session, concerned
citizens have formed the Colorado Advocates for Smarter Lighting ("CASL"), a
confederations of persons interested in energy conservation and enjoyment of
the night sky in Colorado. The night sky is getting increasingly "polluted"
by poorly aimed lights, which represent wasted energy -- often at taxpayer
expense.
        CASL includes members of the Colorado section of the International
Dark Sky Association, astronomy clubs from several cities and towns throughout
Colorado and participants in the Excel/Public Service Co Renewable Energy
Trust, among other interest groups. However, CASL does not speak for or
otherwise represent these organizations.
        Address and EMAIL contact for CASL is: caslco@aol.com
                Colorado Advocates for Smarter Lighting
                c/o Jerry Sherlin
                17002 E. Prentice Ave.
                Centennial, CO 80015-2415

Schedule notes:
Jan.10th -- Colorado legislative session begins
Jan.15th -- deadline for final text of bills introduced
Soon thereafter: first committee hearings on new bills at Capitol
(letters and phone calls to reps needed by then; people to appear at
hearings and participate in public comment statements needed too)

----------------------
Draft text, Colo house bill 618: followed by talking points:

Dec.28,2000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

                  First Regular Session
              Sixty-third General Assembly
                    STATE OF COLORADO
                                                      DRAFT

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
LLS NO. 01-0618.01 Christy Chase HOUSE BILL
HOUSE SPONSORSHIP
Romanoff

SENATE SPONSORSHIP
(None)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
A BILL FOR AN ACT

101 CONCERNING STANDARDS FOR CERTAIN NEW OUTDOOR LIGHTING

102 FIXTURES FUNDED BY THE STATE.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Bill Summary

(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced and does
not necessarily reflect any amendments that may be subsequently
adopted.)

      Authorizes the use of state funds to install      any new outdoor
lighting fixture only if:
        For outdoor lighting fixtures with a rated output greater
than a certain level of lumens, the new or replacement
outdoor lighting fixture is a full cutoff luminaire;
        The minimum illuminance adequate for the intended
purpose is used with consideration given to nationally
recognized standards;

        Full consideration has been given to energy conservation,
glare reduction, the minimization of light pollution, and the
preservation of the natural night environment; and
        For purposes of lighting state highways, the department of
transportation determines that the installation of reflective
road markers, lines, warning or informational signs, or other
methods that do not require the use of artificial lighting will
not achieve the purpose of an outdoor lighting fixture.
      Makes exceptions when:
        Federal law or regulation preempts the restrictions;
        The outdoor lighting fixture is used temporarily for
emergency purposes;
        The outdoor lighting fixture is used temporarily for
nighttime work;
        Additional illumination is required for a special event or
situation as long as the lighting is installed so as to shield
the fixture from direct view and to minimize upward
lighting and light pollution;
        The outdoor lighting fixture is used solely to enhance the
aesthetic beauty of an object; or
        A compelling safety interest exists that cannot be addressed
by another method.
      Defines terms.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

1 Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado:

2 SECTION 1. Legislative declaration. (1) The general assembly

3 hereby finds and declares that:

4 (a) Energy costs in the state have been on the rise in recent years

5 due in part to increased energy consumption and decreased energy

6 efficiency and conservation;

7 (b) One major contributor to increased energy costs is inefficient

8 lighting throughout the state, particularly outdoor lighting fixtures
which

9 are often directed upward and illuminate the sky rather than the area

10 needing illumination;

11 (c) Improperly aimed lighting can increase energy costs, cause

12 temporary blinding, produce unsafe conditions such as glare and deep

Page 3
1 shadows, and contribute to light pollution of the night sky;

2 (d) Properly directed lighting can save up to fifty percent in

3 operation costs, resulting in more efficient use of tax dollars to pay for

4 state-funded light fixtures;

5 (e) Properly aimed lighting can also reduce light pollution,

6 thereby reducing glare and improving the view of the night sky; and

7 (e) It is the declared policy of the state of Colorado to conserve

8 energy and protect and preserve the night sky, and requiring state

9 agencies, when installing new outdoor lighting fixtures, to use certain

10 types of outdoor lighting fixtures that conserve energy and reduce light

11 pollution is necessary to advance such policy.

12 SECTION 2. Article 82 of title 24, Colorado Revised Statutes, is

13 amended BY THE ADDITION OF A NEW PART to read:

14 PART 9

15 OUTDOOR LIGHTING FIXTURES

16 24-82-901. Definitions. AS USED IN THIS PART 9, UNLESS THE

17 CONTEXT OTHERWISE REQUIRES:

19 (1) "ENERGY CONSERVATION" MEANS REDUCING ENERGY COSTS

20 AND RESOURCES USED AND INCLUDES USING A LIGHT WITH LOWER

21 WATTAGE OR A TIMER SWITCH.

22 (2) "FULL CUTOFF LUMINAIRE" MEANS A LUMINAIRE THAT ALLOWS

23 NO DIRECT LIGHT EMISSIONS ABOVE A HORIZONTAL PLANE THROUGH THE

24 LUMINAIRE'S LOWEST LIGHT-EMITTING PART.

25 (3) "LIGHT POLLUTION" MEANS THE NIGHT SKY GLOW CAUSED BY

26 THE SCATTERING OF ARTIFICIAL LIGHT IN THE ATMOSPHERE.

27 (4) "LUMINAIRE" MEANS THE COMPLETE LIGHTING SYSTEM,

Page 4
1 INCLUDING THE LAMP AND THE FIXTURE.

2 (5) (a) "OUTDOOR LIGHTING FIXTURE" MEANS ANY TYPE OF FIXED

3 OR MOVABLE LIGHTING EQUIPMENT THAT IS DESIGNED OR USED FOR

4 ILLUMINATION OUTDOORS AND INCLUDES:

5 (I) AREA LIGHTING; AND

6 (II) BILLBOARD LIGHTING, STREET LIGHTS, SEARCHLIGHTS, AND

7 OTHER LIGHTING USED FOR ADVERTISING PURPOSES.

8 (b) "OUTDOOR LIGHTING FIXTURE" DOES NOT INCLUDE LIGHTING

9 EQUIPMENT THAT IS REQUIRED BY LAW TO BE INSTALLED ON MOTOR

10 VEHICLES OR LIGHTING REQUIRED FOR THE SAFE OPERATION OF AIRCRAFT

11 OR WATERCRAFT.

12 (6) "SPECIAL EVENT OR SITUATION" INCLUDES, BUT IS NOT LIMITED

13 TO, SPORTING EVENTS AND THE ILLUMINATION OF MONUMENTS, HISTORIC

14 STRUCTURES, OR FLAGS.

15 24-82-902. Outdoor lighting fixtures funded by the state -

16 standards. (1) ON OR AFTER JULY 1, 2002, ANY NEW OUTDOOR LIGHTING

17 FIXTURE INSTALLED USING STATE FUNDS SHALL MEET THE

18 FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS:

19 (a) FOR OUTDOOR LIGHTING FIXTURES WITH A RATED OUTPUT

20 GREATER THAN ONE THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED LUMENS, THE FIXTURE IS

21 A FULL CUTOFF LUMINAIRE;

22 (b) THE MINIMUM ILLUMINANCE ADEQUATE FOR THE INTENDED

23 PURPOSE IS USED WITH CONSIDERATION GIVEN TO NATIONALLY

24 RECOGNIZED STANDARDS;

25 (c) FULL CONSIDERATION HAS BEEN GIVEN TO ENERGY

26 CONSERVATION, GLARE REDUCTION, THE MINIMIZATION OF LIGHT

27 POLLUTION, AND THE PRESERVATION OF THE NATURAL NIGHT

Page 5:
1 ENVIRONMENT; AND

2 (d) FOR PURPOSES OF LIGHTING A DESIGNATED HIGHWAY IN THE

3 STATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM, THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

4 DETERMINES THAT THE PURPOSE OF THE OUTDOOR LIGHTING FIXTURE

5 CANNOT BE ACHIEVED BY THE INSTALLATION OF REFLECTIVE ROAD

6 MARKERS, LINES, WARNING OR INFORMATIONAL SIGNS, OR OTHER

7 EFFECTIVE METHODS THAT DO NOT REQUIRE THE USE OF ARTIFICIAL LIGHT.

8 (2) THE PROVISIONS OF SUBSECTION (1) OF THIS SECTION SHALL

9 NOT APPLY IF:

10 (a) A FEDERAL LAW OR REGULATION PREEMPTS STATE LAW;

11 (b) THE OUTDOOR LIGHTING FIXTURE IS USED ON A TEMPORARY

12 BASIS TO PROVIDE ILLUMINATION FOR EMERGENCY PERSONNEL IN AN

13 EMERGENCY SITUATION;

14 (c) THE OUTDOOR LIGHTING FIXTURE IS USED ON A TEMPORARY

15 BASIS FOR NIGHTTIME WORK;

16 (d) ADDITIONAL ILLUMINATION IS REQUIRED FOR A SPECIAL EVENT

17 OR SITUATION; EXCEPT THAT ANY ADDITIONAL ILLUMINATION REQUIRED

18 FOR A SPECIAL EVENT OR SITUATION SHALL BE INSTALLED SO AS TO SHIELD

19 THE OUTDOOR LIGHTING FIXTURES FROM DIRECT VIEW AND TO MINIMIZE

20 UPWARD LIGHTING AND LIGHT POLLUTION;

21 (e) THE OUTDOOR LIGHTING FIXTURE IS USED SOLELY TO ENHANCE

22 THE AESTHETIC BEAUTY OF AN OBJECT; OR

23 (f) A COMPELLING SAFETY INTEREST EXISTS THAT CANNOT BE

24 ADDRESSED BY ANOTHER METHOD.

25 SECTION 3. Effective date. This act shall take effect at 12:01

26 a.m. on the day following the expiration of the ninety-day period after

27 final adjournment of the general assembly that is allowed for submitting

Page 6:
1 a referendum petition pursuant to article V, section 1 (3) of the state

2 constitution; except that, if a referendum petition is filed against this
act

3 or an item, section, or part of this act within such period, then the act,

4 item, section, or part, if approved by the people, shall take effect on
the

5 date of the official declaration of the vote thereon by proclamation of
the

6 governor.

{~ end of file ~}

Declaration of Legislation intent to follow.

001227

Draft talking points for Colo House Bill 01-0618 "Standards for Certain
Outdoor Lighting Fixtures"

What is this bill about?
------------------------
This bill specifies that state-funded lighting begin to utilize fixtures
that direct the light more efficiently, but using "horizontal cutoff"
shielding of lamps, with appropriate exceptions for special situations.

What problems are solved with this bill?
----------------------------------------
Doing so addresses the following concerns and problems:
1. energy consumption -- properly directed lighting can save up to 100% in
the cost of operation;
2. glare reduction -- badly aimed lighting can cause temporary blinding,
especially in the older population;
3. improved safety and security -- poorly aimed light actually can produce
unsafe conditions such as glare, deep shadows, etc. whereas improved lighting
methods can provide superior light at lower cost in the long run;
4. light trespass -- unshielded lighting spills across property boundaries
and can present an unwelcome intrusion if levels are high;
5. enjoyment of the night sky -- poorly aimed, unshielded lights contribute
to "light pollution" that degrades our view of the sky; light pollution
provides zero benefit at significant social and tourism costs;
6. establish requirements --an increasing number of Colorado cities and
counties
are beginning to write law addressing these issues, and will look to the State
in the long run for resolution and guidance.

Why is this bill necessary and deserves your support?
-----------------------------------------------------
1. Make better use of tax dollars that pay for lighting use by state-funded
entities;
2. Incrementally improve safety and security;
3. Reduce light trespass and sky pollution;
4. Establish requirements.

Who can I contact for further information?
------------------------------------------
Bill sponsor: Rep. Andrew Romanoff, andrew@andrewromanoff.com

and/or

Colorado Advocates for Smarter Lighting
17002 E. Prentice Dr.
Centennial, CO 80015-2412

You might find the new JEFFERSON COUNTY lighting bill of interest:
planning.co.jefferson.co.us/zsrr/develop-stands/lighting-draft.html

as well as the in-force DOUGLAS COUNTY regs:
http://www.douglas.co.us/planning/documents/zoningres/section30.htm

The 1999 TEXAS LAW signed by George W. himself:
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlo/billnbr.htm
(& search for 1999 HB 916)

City, County and State regs controlling lighting, NATIONALLY:
http://www.skykeepers.org/ordguide.htm

A recent composite of EARTH AT NIGHT</a> from space (dmsp):
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/image/0011/earthlights_dmsp_big.jpg

and how to contact your elected state reps here in Colorado:
http://www.state.co.us/dleg.html

News about growth and energy issues:
www.denverpost.com
Page 1 double headlines on growth and energy, check archives for 12/21/00." has no dues or other
membership requirements, but "CASL" provides a focus for the necessary
involvement, and hence protects the non-profit status of clubs, etc.

----------------------
Draft text, Colo house bill 618: followed by talking points:

Dec.28,2000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

                              First Regular Session
                      Sixty-third General Assembly
                    STATE OF COLORADO DRAFT

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
LLS NO. 01-0618.01 Christy Chase HOUSE BILL
HOUSE SPONSORSHIP
Romanoff

SENATE SPONSORSHIP
(None)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
A BILL FOR AN ACT

101 CONCERNING STANDARDS FOR CERTAIN NEW OUTDOOR LIGHTING

102 FIXTURES FUNDED BY THE STATE.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Bill Summary

(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced and does not necessarily reflect any
amendments that may be subsequently adopted.)

Authorizes the use of state funds to install any new outdoor lighting fixture only if:
For outdoor lighting fixtures with a rated output greater than a certain level of lumens,
the new or replacement outdoor lighting fixture is a full cutoff luminaire;
The minimum illuminance adequate for the intended purpose is used with consideration given
to nationally recognized standards;

Full consideration has been given to energy conservation, glare reduction, the minimization of
light pollution, and the preservation of the natural night environment; and
For purposes of lighting state highways, the department of transportation determines that the
installation of reflective road markers, lines, warning or informational signs, or other methods that
do not require the use of artificial lighting will not achieve the purpose of an outdoor lighting fixture.
Makes exceptions when:
Federal law or regulation preempts the restrictions;
The outdoor lighting fixture is used temporarily for emergency purposes;
The outdoor lighting fixture is used temporarily for nighttime work;
Additional illumination is required for a special event or situation as long as the lighting is installed
so as to shield the fixture from direct view and to minimize upward lighting and light pollution;
The outdoor lighting fixture is used solely to enhance the aesthetic beauty of an object; or
A compelling safety interest exists that cannot be addressed by another method.

Defines terms.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

1 Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado:

2 SECTION 1. Legislative declaration. (1) The general assembly

3 hereby finds and declares that:

4 (a) Energy costs in the state have been on the rise in recent years

5 due in part to increased energy consumption and decreased energy

6 efficiency and conservation;

7 (b) One major contributor to increased energy costs is inefficient

8 lighting throughout the state, particularly outdoor lighting fixtures which

9 are often directed upward and illuminate the sky rather than the area

10 needing illumination;

11 (c) Improperly aimed lighting can increase energy costs, cause

12 temporary blinding, produce unsafe conditions such as glare and deep

Page 3
1 shadows, and contribute to light pollution of the night sky;

2 (d) Properly directed lighting can save up to fifty percent in

3 operation costs, resulting in more efficient use of tax dollars to pay for

4 state-funded light fixtures;

5 (e) Properly aimed lighting can also reduce light pollution,

6 thereby reducing glare and improving the view of the night sky; and

7 (e) It is the declared policy of the state of Colorado to conserve

8 energy and protect and preserve the night sky, and requiring state

9 agencies, when installing new outdoor lighting fixtures, to use certain

10 types of outdoor lighting fixtures that conserve energy and reduce light

11 pollution is necessary to advance such policy.

12 SECTION 2. Article 82 of title 24, Colorado Revised Statutes, is

13 amended BY THE ADDITION OF A NEW PART to read:

14 PART 9

15 OUTDOOR LIGHTING FIXTURES

16 24-82-901. Definitions. AS USED IN THIS PART 9, UNLESS THE

17 CONTEXT OTHERWISE REQUIRES:

19 (1) "ENERGY CONSERVATION" MEANS REDUCING ENERGY COSTS

20 AND RESOURCES USED AND INCLUDES USING A LIGHT WITH LOWER

21 WATTAGE OR A TIMER SWITCH.

22 (2) "FULL CUTOFF LUMINAIRE" MEANS A LUMINAIRE THAT ALLOWS

23 NO DIRECT LIGHT EMISSIONS ABOVE A HORIZONTAL PLANE THROUGH THE

24 LUMINAIRE'S LOWEST LIGHT-EMITTING PART.

25 (3) "LIGHT POLLUTION" MEANS THE NIGHT SKY GLOW CAUSED BY

26 THE SCATTERING OF ARTIFICIAL LIGHT IN THE ATMOSPHERE.

27 (4) "LUMINAIRE" MEANS THE COMPLETE LIGHTING SYSTEM,

Page 4
1 INCLUDING THE LAMP AND THE FIXTURE.

2 (5) (a) "OUTDOOR LIGHTING FIXTURE" MEANS ANY TYPE OF FIXED

3 OR MOVABLE LIGHTING EQUIPMENT THAT IS DESIGNED OR USED FOR

4 ILLUMINATION OUTDOORS AND INCLUDES:

5 (I) AREA LIGHTING; AND

6 (II) BILLBOARD LIGHTING, STREET LIGHTS, SEARCHLIGHTS, AND

7 OTHER LIGHTING USED FOR ADVERTISING PURPOSES.

8 (b) "OUTDOOR LIGHTING FIXTURE" DOES NOT INCLUDE LIGHTING

9 EQUIPMENT THAT IS REQUIRED BY LAW TO BE INSTALLED ON MOTOR

10 VEHICLES OR LIGHTING REQUIRED FOR THE SAFE OPERATION OF AIRCRAFT

11 OR WATERCRAFT.

12 (6) "SPECIAL EVENT OR SITUATION" INCLUDES, BUT IS NOT LIMITED

13 TO, SPORTING EVENTS AND THE ILLUMINATION OF MONUMENTS, HISTORIC

14 STRUCTURES, OR FLAGS.

15 24-82-902. Outdoor lighting fixtures funded by the state -

16 standards. (1) ON OR AFTER JULY 1, 2002, ANY NEW OUTDOOR LIGHTING

17 FIXTURE INSTALLED USING STATE FUNDS SHALL MEET THE

18 FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS:

19 (a) FOR OUTDOOR LIGHTING FIXTURES WITH A RATED OUTPUT

20 GREATER THAN ONE THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED LUMENS, THE FIXTURE IS

21 A FULL CUTOFF LUMINAIRE;

22 (b) THE MINIMUM ILLUMINANCE ADEQUATE FOR THE INTENDED

23 PURPOSE IS USED WITH CONSIDERATION GIVEN TO NATIONALLY

24 RECOGNIZED STANDARDS;

25 (c) FULL CONSIDERATION HAS BEEN GIVEN TO ENERGY

26 CONSERVATION, GLARE REDUCTION, THE MINIMIZATION OF LIGHT

27 POLLUTION, AND THE PRESERVATION OF THE NATURAL NIGHT

Page 5:
1 ENVIRONMENT; AND

2 (d) FOR PURPOSES OF LIGHTING A DESIGNATED HIGHWAY IN THE

3 STATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM, THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

4 DETERMINES THAT THE PURPOSE OF THE OUTDOOR LIGHTING FIXTURE

5 CANNOT BE ACHIEVED BY THE INSTALLATION OF REFLECTIVE ROAD

6 MARKERS, LINES, WARNING OR INFORMATIONAL SIGNS, OR OTHER

7 EFFECTIVE METHODS THAT DO NOT REQUIRE THE USE OF ARTIFICIAL LIGHT.

8 (2) THE PROVISIONS OF SUBSECTION (1) OF THIS SECTION SHALL

9 NOT APPLY IF:

10 (a) A FEDERAL LAW OR REGULATION PREEMPTS STATE LAW;

11 (b) THE OUTDOOR LIGHTING FIXTURE IS USED ON A TEMPORARY

12 BASIS TO PROVIDE ILLUMINATION FOR EMERGENCY PERSONNEL IN AN

13 EMERGENCY SITUATION;

14 (c) THE OUTDOOR LIGHTING FIXTURE IS USED ON A TEMPORARY

15 BASIS FOR NIGHTTIME WORK;

16 (d) ADDITIONAL ILLUMINATION IS REQUIRED FOR A SPECIAL EVENT

17 OR SITUATION; EXCEPT THAT ANY ADDITIONAL ILLUMINATION REQUIRED

18 FOR A SPECIAL EVENT OR SITUATION SHALL BE INSTALLED SO AS TO SHIELD

19 THE OUTDOOR LIGHTING FIXTURES FROM DIRECT VIEW AND TO MINIMIZE

20 UPWARD LIGHTING AND LIGHT POLLUTION;

21 (e) THE OUTDOOR LIGHTING FIXTURE IS USED SOLELY TO ENHANCE

22 THE AESTHETIC BEAUTY OF AN OBJECT; OR

23 (f) A COMPELLING SAFETY INTEREST EXISTS THAT CANNOT BE

24 ADDRESSED BY ANOTHER METHOD.

25 SECTION 3. Effective date. This act shall take effect at 12:01

26 a.m. on the day following the expiration of the ninety-day period after

27 final adjournment of the general assembly that is allowed for submitting

Page 6:
1 a referendum petition pursuant to article V, section 1 (3) of the state

2 constitution; except that, if a referendum petition is filed against this act

3 or an item, section, or part of this act within such period, then the act,

4 item, section, or part, if approved by the people, shall take effect on the

5 date of the official declaration of the vote thereon by proclamation of the

6 governor.

{~ end of file ~}

Declaration of Legislation intent to follow. 001227

Draft talking points for Colo House Bill 01-0618 "Standards for Certain Outdoor Lighting Fixtures"

What is this bill about?
------------------------
This bill specifies that state-funded lighting begin to utilize fixtures
that direct the light more efficiently, but using "horizontal cutoff"
shielding of lamps, with appropriate exceptions for special situations.

What problems are solved with this bill?
----------------------------------------
Doing so addresses the following concerns and problems:
1. energy consumption -- properly directed lighting can save up to 100% in the cost of operation;
2. glare reduction -- badly aimed lighting can cause temporary blinding, especially in the older population;
3. improved safety and security -- poorly aimed light actually can produce unsafe conditions such as glare,
deep shadows, etc. whereas improved lighting methods can provide superior light at lower cost in the long run;
4. light trespass -- unshielded lighting spills across property boundaries and can present an unwelcome
intrusion if levels are high;
5. enjoyment of the night sky -- poorly aimed, unshielded lights contribute to "light pollution" that degrades
our view of the sky; light pollution provides zero benefit at significant social and tourism costs;
6. establish requirements --an increasing number of Colorado cities and counties
are beginning to write law addressing these issues, and will look to the State in the long run for resolution
and guidance.

Why is this bill necessary and deserves your support?
-----------------------------------------------------
1. Make better use of tax dollars that pay for lighting use by state-funded entities;
2. Incrementally improve safety and security;
3. Reduce light trespass and sky pollution;
4. Establish requirements.

Who can I contact for further information?
------------------------------------------
Bill sponsor: Rep. Andrew Romanoff, andrew@andrewromanoff.com

and/or

Colorado Advocates for Smarter Lighting
17002 E. Prentice Dr.
Centennial, CO 80015-2412
*****************************************************************
You might find the new JEFFERSON COUNTY lighting bill of interest:
planning.co.jefferson.co.us/zsrr/develop-stands/lighting-draft.html

as well as the in-force DOUGLAS COUNTY regs:
http://www.douglas.co.us/planning/documents/zoningres/section30.htm

The 1999 TEXAS LAW signed by George W. himself:
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlo/billnbr.htm
(& search for 1999 HB 916)

City, County and State regs controlling lighting, NATIONALLY:
http://www.skykeepers.org/ordguide.htm

A recent composite of EARTH AT NIGHT</a> from space (dmsp):
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/image/0011/earthlights_dmsp_big.jpg

and how to contact your elected state reps here in Colorado:
http://www.state.co.us/dleg.html

News about growth and energy issues:
www.denverpost.com
Page 1 double headlines on growth and energy, check archives for 12/21/00.