WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SD 760

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

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jo Comerford and 3 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill requiring energy-efficient outdoor lighting standards to reduce sky glow and light pollution while lowering energy costs for municipalities and businesses.

0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SD 760

Legislative bill overview

SD 760 establishes standards for outdoor lighting in Massachusetts to reduce energy consumption, minimize light pollution, and preserve visibility of the night sky. The bill would likely require new outdoor lighting fixtures to meet efficiency standards, restrict certain types of lighting that contribute to sky glow, and potentially mandate retrofitting or replacement of existing non-compliant lighting over time.

Why is this important

Light pollution has measurable effects on human health (sleep disruption, circadian rhythm interference), wildlife behavior (disrupting migration and breeding patterns), and astronomy. Simultaneously, outdoor lighting represents a significant energy expenditure for municipalities and private entities, so efficiency standards can reduce both environmental impact and operational costs while improving public health outcomes.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost burden: Retrofitting existing lighting infrastructure statewide could impose substantial upfront costs on municipalities, schools, and private property owners, with unclear timelines for compliance
  • Business and municipal impact: Streetlights, parking lots, and commercial signage are essential for safety and commerce; overly restrictive standards may be challenged as impractical or creating public safety concerns
  • Enforcement and definitions: Questions about which lighting types are restricted, what constitutes compliance, and how violations are enforced could create regulatory ambiguity for implementation

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

Sign in to ask a question.