What's happening
This bill requires the state to develop and provide a model outdoor lighting ordinance to help municipalities save energy and reduce light pollution.
Why it matters
Promotes statewide consistency and best practices. By requiring the state to develop a model ordinance, the bill helps ensure that cities, towns, and villages have access to expert guidance, reducing confusion and variability in local outdoor lighting rules.
Targets specific harms of poor outdoor lighting. The legislation explicitly defines and addresses “glare” (which can cause momentary blindness and reduced visibility) and “sky glow” (which diminishes nighttime darkness), highlighting concerns for public safety, health, and the enjoyment of the night sky.
Encourages energy efficiency and cost savings. With a focus on saving energy, the model ordinance could help municipalities reduce their power use and utility expenses, which may also contribute to lower municipal budgets and greenhouse gas emissions.
Guides future local legislation and development. By providing a comprehensive template, the bill empowers local governments to adopt or adapt effective outdoor lighting policies, potentially accelerating the adoption of modern lighting standards across the state.
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Distribute Lighting Ordinance Guide
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History
- Referred to local governments
- Referred to local governments
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
2601
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
January 20, 2017
Introduced by M. of A. ROSENTHAL -- read once and referred to the Committee on Local Governments
AN ACT to amend the general municipal law, in relation to the preparation and distribution of a model comprehensive outdoor lighting ordinance
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The general municipal law is amended by adding a new section 137 to read as follows:
§ 137. Model comprehensive outdoor lighting ordinance. The secretary of state, in consultation with the New York state energy research and development authority, the commissioner of transportation and the commissioner of general services, shall prepare or cause to be prepared and distributed to cities, towns and villages a model comprehensive outdoor lighting ordinance for the purpose of saving energy, reducing unnecessary glare and reducing unnecessary sky glow. For purposes of this section, the term "glare" shall mean light emitted by a luminaire that causes reduced visibility or momentary blindness by shining directly into the eyes of the viewer; and the term "sky glow" shall mean the illumination of the nighttime sky that results from upward shining light, which is reflected off molecules and particles of dirt and moisture in the atmosphere.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD05414-01-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.