Light pollution: a glaring global and local problem
by Catherne Larson and Dennis Lueck

Once a blue-green jewel suspended in the vast dark universe, our planet now looks from space like it's on fire, glowing with intense levels of glare from artificial light. This light comes from unshielded luminaires, such as public streetlights and private security lights, and it is proliferating worldwide--wasting energy, increasing energy costs, decreasing safety and security, and causing major ecological disruptions for life on earth.

All of this light is wasted light, or "light pollution." The EPA estimates that the U.S. alone spends $1 billion annually on wasted light. Sprayed in every direction from unshielded luminaires, light is sent into the sky where it is not needed or into people's eyes causing momentary blindness or eyestrain.

The solution to "light pollution" is simple; apply full cutoff shields to luminaires. Full cutoff shields direct artificial light to specific areas on the ground where it is needed, such as streets, alleys, sidewalks and parking lots. Traffic accidents do not occur in the sky, nor go muggings, robberies, etc. shields are already required in major U.S. cities, such as Los Angeles, Boston, and Chicago, as well as in numerous smaller cities, like Tucson and sisters. But Eugene is lagging far behind. Why?

Appropriate levels of well-directed light have been shown to decrease crime, reduce energy costs and waste, provide attractive outdoor environments, and help protect the natural cycles of plants and animals. Eugene's public officials are fully aware of these benefits from full cutoff shields, yet they refuse to change public policy. Pressure must be therefore be put on city staff, the mayor and city council to begin retrofitting public luminaires (e.g., street lights, parking lot lights) with full cutoff shields.

For luminaires located on private property, the most recent draft of Outdoor Lighting Standards in the land Use Code (which is in the process of being updated) is an improvement over the previous code. But the new standards apply only to new luminaires on private property. They do not apply to existing luminaires until the entire luminaire needs replacement (which could take decades). This must be changed.

The deadline for written comments on the City of Eugene's Land Use Code update (Outdoor Lighting Standards Section 9.4615) is April 30. Comments need to be sent to the Eugene Planning Commission, c/o Teresa Bishow / 99 W. 10th Avenue / Eugene OR 97401. Please insist that the land Use Code's Outdoor Lighting Standards also require full cutoff shields on existing private luminaires within a reasonable period of time (such as five years).

Thank you for your interest, time and effort.
submitted by Catherne Larson and Dennis Lueck
on behalf of Eugene's Outdoor Lighting Advisory Group
for more information: 689-6215


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