HR0884 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0884 LRB096 17676 GRL 33038 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Our nation's use of energy continues to escalate, with increasingly detrimental environmental and economic impact; and

WHEREAS, Outdoor lighting practices currently in widespread use in the State of Illinois consume large amounts of energy and are very energy-inefficient; much more efficient outdoor lighting practices exist; and

WHEREAS, Energy savings would reduce carbon emissions into our air, preserve natural resources used to produce this energy, set a positive precedent for the rest of the nation, and result in a reduction in costs for Illinois taxpayers and businesses; and

WHEREAS, The safety and welfare of pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists depend upon the reduction of glare and the establishment of consistent and well-defined standards for levels of artificial outdoor illumination; and

WHEREAS, The State of Illinois recognizes the need to define limits and protect the State's residents and business owners from the trespass of excessive and misdirected artificial outdoor illumination from adjacent properties; and

WHEREAS, There is growing evidence that excessive artificial outdoor illumination at night has detrimental effects on human health; and

WHEREAS, Excessive artificial outdoor illumination at night has been shown to have detrimental effects on numerous species of flora and fauna, which depend on the natural cycle of day and night for survival; and

WHEREAS, The State of Illinois recognizes the night sky as a natural resource and the need to preserve the unique quality of life of Illinois residents by preserving and enhancing their ability to view the night sky; and

WHEREAS, The sky glow from artificial outdoor illumination negatively impacts the enjoyment of State parks and other areas of natural beauty and wildlife conservation; and

WHEREAS, Establishing pre-determined standards for artificial outdoor illumination will provide Illinois residents, business owners, and developers with a clear set of guidelines to follow; and

WHEREAS, A clear set of guidelines for artificial outdoor illumination will eliminate the need for business establishments to compete for visual attention by escalating outdoor lighting levels; and

WHEREAS, A void remains in the creation and implementation of a modern, practical set of lighting standards which address the issues of energy consumption, environmental, and quality of life related to artificial outdoor illumination in a "holistic", effective manner; and

WHEREAS, The State of Illinois has the potential to become a leader in the area of artificial outdoor illumination practices by promoting sound environmental policies which will benefit residents of the State of Illinois and serve as a positive example for the nation to follow; and

WHEREAS, The State of Illinois acknowledges its responsibility to care for both the daytime and nighttime environments; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we express our support for improved night preservation practices in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we encourage municipalities and State agencies to adopt suitable outdoor lighting practices based on the principle of applying artificial light only where it is needed, when it is needed, and to only the levels needed, using the best safety and energy-efficiency standards available; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we encourage the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center to provide artificial outdoor illumination engineering assistance to State agencies, municipalities, and businesses that seek to implement responsible outdoor lighting to conserve energy and preserve the important natural phenomenon of night; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be sent to the Governor and the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center.