Light Trespass & Pollution

Local, state, regional and national laws and codes must be enacted to address the pervasive issue of light trespass and light pollution.

Search for light pollution laws around the world!

Courtesy of DarkSky International and the University of Arizona

“Whether you are researching light pollution or advocating for laws in your community, we hope this database will support your work.  

The U.S. Statutory Law is complete at the State level; work is ongoing to populate county and municipal ordinances.”

Light Pollution Law Database

 
 

  • Laws and ordinances vary across each state, all the jurisdictions within them, little national legislation has been enacted however great the strides made with technology to eliminate light trespass NCSL National Conference of State Legislators Each local municipality will or will not, have ordinances on the books. Advocating for stringent codes is imperative to protect humans, creatures, insects, plants and our common view of the night sky.

  • The International Dark Sky Association 2022 report on the State of the Science of artificial light at night.

    2024 State of the Science Report

    This briefing summarizes the current state of knowledge about how the widespread and growing use of artificial light at night interacts with six key topics: the night sky (Section 1); wildlife and ecology (Section 2); human health (Section 3); public safety (Section 4); energy security and climate change (Section 5); and social justice (Section 6). It also includes a discussion of the emerging threat from light pollution caused by objects orbiting the Earth (Section7).

  • Without the term ‘light trespass’ and nuisance lighting spelled out in local codes and ordinances, lights shining into bedrooms or homes must be litigated as a private matter, using nuisance lighting. A high bar to clear to win a case, with uncertain outcome if the lights fall within current outdoor lighting ordinances, and a very expensive one. But outside lights are not the only cause of light trespass and light pollution, artificial light escaping from the inside of homes and buildings causes much light trespass and light pollution. Both must be addressed by the source of the light trespass, not the recipient.

  • DECLARATION

    IN DEFENCE OF THE NIGHT SKY AND THE RIGHT TO STARLIGHT (La Palma Declaration)

  • Oregon Outdoor Lighting Policies

    Enhancing Oregon's outdoor lighting policies is a proactive step towards preserving our night skies and reducing light pollution. Each community has unique needs, and developing tailored lighting codes can make a significant difference

    Oregon has a State law on outdoor lighting that applies to Public Buildings:
    Oregon State law (ORS 455.573) 

    ​There is no State-wide law for residential or commercial buildings.  Ordinances on outdoor lighting of residential and commercial buildings in Oregon are on a local city and county basis.

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