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SCR 4004

A concurrent resolution declaring April 21, 2025, through April 28, 2025, as "North Dakota Dark Sky Week," and urging the residents of North Dakota to partake in this event to observe, ponder, and support the natural dark sky resources of this state.

69th Legislative Assembly (2025-26) Introduced by Austin Foss and 4 co-sponsors

Nonbinding SCR 4004 designates North Dakota Dark Sky Week (April 21-28, 2025) and urges voluntary light-reduction actions to protect migratory birds and cut energy use.

Second reading, failed to adopt
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SCR 4004

Summary: Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 4004 (SCR 4004)

Overview

SCR 4004 is a non-binding concurrent resolution in the North Dakota Legislature declaring a week—April 21 to April 28, 2025—as “North Dakota Dark Sky Week.” The measure urges residents and various stakeholders to participate in events and actions that observe, ponder, and support North Dakota’s natural dark sky resources. It is a concurrent resolution, not a statute.

Purpose and Intent

  • Raise awareness about light pollution and its impacts on wildlife, human health, and energy use.
  • Encourage voluntary actions to reduce unnecessary exterior and indoor lighting during bird migration seasons.
  • Highlight potential benefits, including reduced bird collisions, energy savings, and alignment with the state's climate action goals.

Key Provisions

  • Official designation: April 21–28, 2025, as North Dakota Dark Sky Week.
  • Voluntary actions encouraged: state, municipal, residential, and commercial building owners, operators, managers, and tenants are urged to turn off, dim, or redirect excess lighting during migration seasons to protect birds and reduce light pollution.
  • Public uses and benefits cited: potential mitigation of bird mortality (noting bird migration patterns along the Central Flyway and Mississippi Flyway), potential energy cost savings, and alignment with the Priority Climate Action Plan.
  • Broad educational goals: promote awareness of light pollution mitigation techniques and the cultural and ecological importance of the night sky.
  • Outreach and communications: the Secretary of State is directed to forward copies of the resolution to the ND Tourism and Marketing Division, Parks and Recreation Department, the North Dakota Association of Counties, the North Dakota Township Officers Association, and the North Dakota League of Cities.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Primarily non-binding guidance aimed at residents, local governments, building owners/operators, managers, and tenants.
  • State agencies and affiliated organizations are targeted for dissemination of the resolution.
  • No new funding, enforcement authority, or regulatory changes are included.

Procedural History and Status

  • Introduced: January 14, 2025 (Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 4004).
  • Committee: Energy and Natural Resources (hearing January 23, 2025).
  • Reported: “Do Not Pass” and placed on calendar (January 23, 2025).
  • Second reading: January 24, 2025; failed to adopt.
  • Current status: Second reading, failed to adopt.

Practical Takeaway

SCR 4004 is an aspirational, informational measure designed to promote voluntary actions to reduce light pollution during a key bird-migration period. Its passage would have signaled state support for Dark Sky Week and coordination among public and private actors, but as of the latest action, it did not advance.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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