HB 585 - the Outdoor Lighting Efficiency Act - comes into effect
(taken from Local Energy Committee News)
Signed by Governor Lynch in July, HB 585 sets energy efficiency standards for roadway and other outdoor lighting installed by the state. It requires the use of fully shielded "dark-sky" friendly lights in state-funded installations and limits the amount of illumination used to the minimum necessary level for any given task as recommended by a universally respected standards organization.
HB 585 also creates a potential new way for local governments to reduce their electric bills for street lighting. It sets a policy of preserving our mostly still-dark, starry skies as part of New Hampshire's traditional and historic character, a key factor in our $4.5 billion tourism industry.
While HB 585 imposes no requirements on local communities, it invites us all to take a second look at the way we light the night, and what we spend to do it.
Local energy committees can take the lead in helping their communities curb unnecessary and intrusive outdoor lighting, and in doing so, save energy and money.
Watch for more information on how your community can leverage HB 585 and other outdoor lighting efficiency measures in the LEC newsletter. Kudos to Bob Gillette of the Ossippee Energy Committee for his leadership on HB 585 and related supporting materials.
