Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Global Models for Local Revised Ordinances

Here's some new model legislation that we don't hear about too often. Doesn't a good community regulate all aspects of life, including exterior lighting? And in a good communitarian community, everyone everywhere obeys the exact same laws and customs decided by International planning organizations helping to implement global governance over national and state governments.

Here's an illuminating Mission Statement: "The IES seeks to improve the lighted environment by bringing together those with lighting knowledge and by translating that knowledge into actions that benefit the public." Here's their Vision Statement: "The IES will build upon a century of excellence to create the premier lighting community dedicated to promoting the art and science of quality lighting to its members, allied professional organizations, and the public."

The IES plans to position itself at the center of all issues related to lighting , and their Strategic Plan is practically governmental: http://www.ies.org/pdf/strategic_plan.pdf. A lot of their "actions" appear to be REGIONAL.
The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) and the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) Joint Task Force are developing a Model Lighting Ordinance (MLO) to address the need for strong, consistent outdoor lighting regulation. The second draft of the MLO was open to public comment from 24 June - 23 August 2010 and is now undergoing final revisions. Please check this page regularly for current information on this valuable resource for cities and planners. Download Model Lighting Ordinance

Dark Skies and Bright Lights: A Better Approach, Held 04 November, 2:30-9:00 p.m. in Hartford, Connecticut, USA, Keynote Speaker: Janet Lenox Moyer, IALD: LEDs and Their Impact on the Future of Landscape Lightinghttp://www.darksky.org/mc/page.do?sitePageId=84399

Energy profile: Where have we been, and where are we headed? Looking at energy consumption patterns of the past can help us promote responsible energy use in the future, by Ron Jarnagin, 12/01/2010 http://www.csemag.com/industry-news/more-top-stories/single-article/energy-profile-where-have-we-been-and-where-are-we-headed/28f2450f4c.html

1 comment:

Paul B. said...

Niki,
I remember, when I was really into astronomy years ago, this dark sky thing was a real problem. The light from unshaded fixtures is simply radiated into the sky causing a sort or illuminated sky. This of course blocks the view of stellar objects, etc. It is so typical for these people to grasp on to peoples concerns and twist them to more extensive and unrelated regulation that always reaches into other areas, where present law has yet to be overlaid with this smothering blanket of love. BTW, Happy New Year.