House Congressional Hearings on Global Warming - Please Send in Light Pollution
R W
I heard back from Chris Treanor - His response is below. It is obvious they
are looking for some solutions (ideas) on combating this problem. I am
trying to position light pollution as a quick/easy method for tightening the
belt on energy waste - thus helping Global Warming. I will be working on a
form letter, but due to the response date of March 19 (send via email to
Chris or fax to 202-225-2525 (c/o Chris Treanor)) - don't wait for me.
Please forward this on to all concerned (organizations and individuals). We
have an unprecedented opportunity to get this issue looked at on Capitol
Hill. With the short timeframe there will be limited response. If most of
the responses are about light pollution, you can bet our voices will be
heard.
Sincerely,
Robert Wagner
-----Original Message-----
From: Treanor, Chris [mailto:Chris....@mail.house.gov]
Sent: Thursday, March 01, 2007 4:43 PM
To: Robert Wagner
Subject: RE: Letter to Environmental Groups relating to the issue of
climate change. - Additional Information
Robert, excuse the delay in getting back to you. I have been in hearing all
of today and yesterday. You are quite persistent.
I do not have an idea yet what Mr. Dingell will find appropriate to include
in legislation concerning climate change and light pollution. One of the
reasons for the letters we sent out was to gather information from various
organizations so as to put together comprehensive, effective and fair
legislation. Feel free to respond to our letter. As you already are aware, a
generic version of the letter can be found on our website. Please send us
your response to the letter on behalf of the organizations you represent and
we will review any suggestions you might have. You can either fax your
letter to the Committee at 202-225-2525 (c/o Chris Treanor) or email it to
me at chris....@mail.house.gov.
Look forward to reading whatever help you may offer us.
Thank you,
Chris Treanor
U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce
2125 Rayburn House Office Building
202-225-2927
-----Original Message-----
Subject: [OL-Forum] Possible room for Light Pollution in House Global
Warming Hearings
All,
Please read:
http://energycommerce.house.gov/Press_110/110-ltr.02.27%20Letter.NGO.pdf
I have been trying to contact the staff (Bruce Harris, Lorie Schmidt, Sue
Sheridan or Chris Treanor at 202-225-2927) to see if this would be an
appropriate forum to bring up light pollution as it relates to global
warming. Please feel free to call as well - I will let you know if I hear
anything. The letters are due by 3/19/07.
More later...
Robert Wagner
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R W
Thanks,
Robert Wagner
-------------from Chris
Please send us your response to the letter on behalf of the organizations
you represent and
we will review any suggestions you might have. You can either fax your
letter to the Committee at 202-225-2525 (c/o Chris Treanor) or email it to
Look forward to reading whatever help you may offer us.
Thank you,
Chris Treanor
U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce
2125 Rayburn House Office Building
202-225-2927
-----------------------------My Letter
March 05, 2007
John Dingell
Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee
2125 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Rick Boucher
Chairman Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality
2125 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
RE: Climate Change request for information dated February 27, 2007
Dear Chairman Dingell and Subcommittee Chairman Boucher:
I am writing in response to your request for information on climate change
dated February 27, 2007. Climate change and global warming are complex
issues that will require a variety of solutions to resolve. One of the
quickest and simplest solutions is to target energy waste that negatively
affects all Americans. Light Pollution is a result of energy waste and is
growing at an estimated annual rate of up to 10% in the United States of
America. It is compromised of exterior lights that exhibit:
· Excessive Lighting – Installing light intensity beyond established
international recommended illumination standards
· Misdirected Lights – Floodlights directed into the sky and across property
lines
· Wasteful Lighting – Installing lights where they are not needed or useful
· Inefficient Lighting – Lights that have a high energy use for the amount
of useful light emitted
Light Pollution has been calculated to waste an estimated one billion
dollars a year. This extracts to around six million tons of coal and the
global warming emissions to go with it. This is a very conservative
estimate and only takes into account light directed into the sky. Turning
these wasted resources into energy research and emissions upgrades would
result in a win-win situation for all Americans.
Numerous organizations including the Department of Energy, National Park
Service, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Green Building Council, U.S. Fish &
Wildlife Service, USDA Forest Service, NASA, University Corporation for
Atmospheric Research, National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of State,
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, Illumination Engineering
Society of North America, The Astronomical League, International Dark-Sky
Association and National Parks Conservation Association have either
documented this problem, established guidelines or developed training to
help resolve it. The International Dark-Sky Association alone has over
10,000 members exclusively dedicated to eliminating light pollution. It has
been mentioned by the National Park Service, “The rate at which light
pollution is increasing will leave almost no dark skies in the contiguous US
by 2025.” Our natural nighttime skies are one of the few commonalities
found around the globe and throughout history.
With a brief overview of this problem, I would like to identify a short plan
to work toward a resolution. Your environmental leadership is key to making
this happen.
First, identify why existing environmental legislation, such as the Clean
Air Act, is not being used to contain this problem and adjust agency
policies if needed:
· With estimated annual increases of up to 10%, and documented visibility
effects on class I federal areas, why has the EPA never focused on light
pollution?
· The EPA has focused only on daytime visibility, what about nighttime
visibility?
· Seeing the stars should be an “air quality-related value” which the Clean
Air Act is designed to protect.
Second, Look at the Energy Star program and ensure exterior lighting
fixtures marketed to “protect the environment” do not contribute to light
pollution and the destruction of the nighttime ecosystem.
Third, hold a congressional hearing with all interested parties to gain a
better understanding of this problem and it’s impact upon America. Invite
industry players, scientists and affected individuals to testify with the
common goal of reducing light pollution and waste.
Fourth, while much of our country isn’t classified as a class I federal
area, look at expanding the Clean Air Act visibility criteria down to
regional and local governments. Identify good quality, energy efficient
solutions for illumination and work with our cities to upgrade obsolete
exterior light fixtures.
Fifth, coordinate with the FTC an effort to stem unfair industry practices
that tout exterior lighting as a “security” solution without providing any
guarantee on the type of security provided or the protection it is designed
to offer. Propagating these myths has led to an increase in light pollution
and the cost of real personal security.
Finally, enable every American the ability to mitigate lighting problems by
making light trespass a statutory nuisance resolvable through our court
system.
The American public and businesses would benefit tremendously through your
actions on this measure. Some of these benefits include:
· Reduced global warming emissions
· Lower utility bills
· A boon to the lighting industry as more efficient and better controlled
light fixtures are sought
· A restoration of natural nighttime conditions for people, plants, and
wildlife
The decisions made today will have a positive impact on the estimated
two-thirds of Americans that can no longer see the Milky Way and the
generations yet to come. Due to the effect on global warming, energy
conservation and waste, we understand your desire to quickly work toward a
resolution of this growing problem and will work hard to support you and
your efforts.
Sincerely,
_________________________________________________________________
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