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H 3494

An Act to improve outdoor lighting, conserve energy, and increase dark-sky visibility

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Christine Barber and 11 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill establishing outdoor lighting standards to reduce light pollution and energy consumption while improving night-sky visibility.

Hearing rescheduled to 09/25/2025 from 01:00 PM-04:30 PM in A-1 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time
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Bill Summary · H 3494

Legislative bill overview

H 3494 establishes standards for outdoor lighting installations in Massachusetts to reduce light pollution while promoting energy efficiency. The bill appears to set requirements for outdoor lighting fixtures, likely including specifications for shielding, color temperature, and brightness levels to minimize upward light and glare.

Why is this important

Light pollution affects astronomical observation, disrupts ecosystems and wildlife behavior (particularly migratory birds and insects), and wastes energy. Massachusetts joining dark-sky initiatives could position the state as a leader in environmental stewardship while generating measurable energy savings across municipalities and private properties.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost burden: Retrofitting existing outdoor lighting or requiring compliant fixtures for new installations may increase expenses for municipalities, businesses, and homeowners, potentially triggering pushback on unfunded mandates
  • Public safety concerns: Some argue that reducing outdoor lighting could compromise street safety and security, requiring careful balance between dark-sky goals and visibility needs
  • Implementation scope and exemptions: Questions remain about which lighting types are covered (streetlights, parking lots, residential, commercial), enforcement mechanisms, timelines for compliance, and whether critical infrastructure receives exemptions

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

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