On February 12, Associate Policy Director Karrington Anderson submitted a letter of information to the Environment and Transportation Committee on HB 452 – Outdoor Lighting – Guidance and Use of State Funds.
As drafted, this bill would place certain limitations on the types of outdoor lighting fixtures that can be used at state facilities and directs the Maryland Green Building Council to update or develop guidance for the purchase of outdoor lighting fixtures.
Counties recognize the bill’s intent of ensuring certain lighting does not interfere with animal populations. In this era of climate change, it is important to better harmonize infrastructure with broader environmental forces, but it is also worth noting that the proposed 3000-Kelvin standard would have significant public safety implications.
Counties ask that if the Committee does move forward with HB 452, that they give due consideration to the broader public safety and infrastructure considerations − especially those regarding recreational and public-use facilities.
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