Reducing Light Pollution in Louisiana.

To:  Louisiana State Government, Terrebonne Parish Government (Louisiana)

Dear esteemed Louisiana legislators and to whom it may concern,

As a private citizen and taxpayer in Louisiana, I am organizing and circulating this petition in an effort to raise awareness on the growing issue of light pollution.

The growing problem of light pollution, waste lighting that is estimated to cost the American people as a whole approximately $1.5 billion worth of wasted energy each year. The recommendations also seek to reduce or eliminate glare and light trespass, factors that actually reduce safety. A growing number of cities and states are finding that better lighting enhances the quality of life by improving the nighttime safety and appearance of cities and rural areas. Good lighting means not so much eliminating night lighting as improving the overall quality of lighting - putting light on the ground where it is needed, and keeping it out of the sky and surrounding properties where it is not needed or wanted.

--Glare reduces visibility and safety. Properly designed and installed fixtures will improve driving safety by keeping poor lighting from shining directly into drivers' eyes.

--Part of being a good neighbor is lighting one's property without intruding light on surrounding areas.

--Using modern fixtures yields a net savings in energy costs. Directing the lighting to the subject and to the ground where it is most cost effective is the essence of good lighting.

--Local governments and local Municipalities should take a leadership role in lighting standards by using the most effective shielding possible.

--Light pollution has a negative effect on the growing hobby of amateur astronomy and backyard stargazing. This educational hobby has a positive impact on the community by enouraging children to take an interest in science - light pollution makes astronomy less interesting and stargazing
equipment less effective.

Other municipalities in Louisiana have already taken positive action on this issue. Specifically, the Parishes of Lafayette and St. Tammany have enacted light pollution ordinances in an effort to reduce the problem. In addition, the city of Covington has also enacted a similar ordinance with promising results. These successful codes and ordinances should and could be used as a template for action in other Parishes across Louisiana. The ordinances themselves have already been researched, written and
implemented, this should make adopting similar measures in other Parishes easier.

We strongly recommend Terrebonne, Lafourche, and other Louisiana Parishes to follow in the footsteps of Lafayette and St. Tammany in enacting light pollution ordinances as a gesture of good faith towards the taxpayer. Enacting these ordinances will save money, improve safety, and help the environment.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

The Reducing Light Pollution in Louisiana. Petition to Louisiana State Government, Terrebonne Parish Government (Louisiana) was created by Southern Louisiana Stargazers and written by Michael W. Gilmer (michaelwgilmer@hotmail.com).  This petition is hosted here at www.PetitionOnline.com as a public service. There is no endorsement of this petition, express or implied, by Artifice, Inc. or our sponsors. For technical support please use our simple Petition Help form.

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