Amendment #838 to H4100

Study on Improving Outdoor Lighting and Increasing Dark Sky Visibility

Representatives Garballey of Arlington, Kocot of Northampton and McMurtry of Dedham move that the bill be amended by adding the following section:- "SECTION XX. The executive office of energy and environmental affairs, in consultation with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the executive office of housing and economic development shall conduct a study on state and municipally funded outdoor lighting, including highway and street lights. The executive offices and the department shall conduct at least 1 public hearing in support of the study and shall solicit and evaluate input from lighting engineers, lighting manufacturers, town planners, environmental protection advocates, the Massachusetts Medical Society, the director of the Arnold Arboretum and other interested organizations and individuals. The study shall include recommendations on ways to reduce non-renewable electricity usage for outdoor lighting, support the business community and expand job creation, enhance night sky visibility, protect public health and safety and promote electricity pricing accountability. The executive office of energy and environmental affairs shall submit a copy of the study to the clerks of the House of Representatives and the Senate who shall forward a copy of the study to the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy by December 1, 2012."