What's happening
Writing a plain-English summary… Track this bill to get it by email.
Why it matters
Albany, before your first meeting.
Every bill that moved yesterday, summarized in a sentence and ranked by impact. The Albany Scorecard follows on Sundays.
Free. Unsubscribe in one click. Want alerts on specific bills? Create an account.
Who cares
Headline styles
Sponsors
Senator · Senate District 5
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to environmental conservation
- Referred to environmental conservation
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Relates to state policy regarding the preservation of the unique qualities of the nighttime sky
Assembly Floor Calendar · Sponsor Linda Rosenthal
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
BILL NUMBER:S4850
Title of bill
An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to stating policy relating to preserving the unique qualities of the nighttime sky
Purpose or general idea of bill
This bill amends the Environmental conservation Law to include the preservation of the "nighttime sky" as part of the declared policy of New York state.
Summary of specific provisions
Section 1 amends subdivision 3 of section 1-0101 of the environmental conservation law to include the protection of the nighttime sky in the declaration of the state environmental policy.
Justification
Recently, two scientists from the University of Padua published the first atlas of artificial brightness in the night sky. The maps are fascinating, but the numbers the maps illustrate are truly startling. According to the authors, "about one-fifth of the world population, more than two-thirds of the U.S. population and more than one-half of the E.U. population have lost naked eye visibility of the Milky Way." As a result, they conclude, "the night sky appears more seriously endangered than commonly believed." Given the threat to the night sky, it is important to articulate a strong state policy on its value.
Prior legislative history
Passed Assembly - 2009.
Fiscal implications
None.
Effective date
This act shall take effect immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.