Working Regionally and Nationally

One way to fight light pollution regionally is to contact your local utility company. Typically these companies describe their environmental policies online. Ask whether the utility has specific dark-sky-friendly practices concerning the streetlights and/or pole-mounted floodlights it installs.

The Illuminating Engineering Society has an active New England section (website). Its officers and members are very aware of light-pollution issues. IES-NE offers lectures and courses on various aspects of lighting throughout the year, and you do not need to be an IES member to attend these.

NELPAG volunteers are working with officials of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's New England regional office to develop light-pollution awareness and projects. Check back soon to learn how these discussions are progressing.

Nationally, the International Dark-sky Association (website) has been raising awareness of light-pollution issues for 20 years. Thanks to the IDA's efforts, and to the increased desire for energy conservation, members of Congress and the Environmental Protection Agency are becoming aware of the light-pollution problem. Please contact your Congressional representatives and urge them to take action against light pollution.