Connecticut

With the encouragement of NELPAG councilors Leo Smith and Bob Crelin, Connecticut legislators have enacted the most comprehensive suite of outdoor-lighting regulations in New England. Here are links to the three main laws now in force:

• Streetlights (enacted in 2001)

• Floodlights (enacted in 2003)

• Government property (enacted in 2006)

In addition, a key decision came on January 28, 2008, when the Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control issued its most recent required new "midnight rates" for streetlights. This decision will provide savings for streetlights that don't need to be left on all night — a practice already used in California. The DPUC decision on January 28th finds the requirement for midnight rates to be reasonable, and requires the utility company to develop such rates by the end of 2008. To see the ruling, download the document here and then scroll to the streetlighting section on page 133.

Here's a list of cities and towns in Connecticut that have adopted outdoor-lighting regulations:

• Branford

(if you know of any others, please let us know!)