The past year has been an encouraging one for proponents of energy efficiency and night sky preservation.
Local governments in communities around the state took significant steps to reduce light pollution and protect the health, safety and welfare of the public. Such efforts garner support from a wide range of political, economic and cultural backgrounds.

This fact suggests that interest in working to reduce wasteful lighting practices extends beyond the special interest of a bunch of cranks with telescopes who just want to sit out in the dark.

In the autumn of 2008, Rio Arriba County updated and strengthened its lighting ordinance by more clearly defining what measures are needed to promote energy efficiency and to provide a balanced process for review of outdoor lighting applications.

Rio Arriba County leaders were motivated to make these changes in an effort to save money, energy and improve the quality of life for county residents.

By late October, Union County passed an outdoor lighting ordinance.

This development may surprise some who view this remote corner of our state as not exactly pro-government and generally conservative.

But the opening of the Star Point observatory at Clayton Lake State Park in June of 2006 bolstered interest to protect the night sky and reduce light waste.

Parks staff and a dedicated group of local volunteers offer a variety of educational and interpretive night sky programs.

The observatory serves as an important asset for educators who make access to programs a priority for local school children.

In January, the Clayton town council also passed their own lighting ordinance.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of our landmark state law, the New Mexico Night Sky Protection Act.

Even though the concepts of light pollution and night sky preservation were unknown to many in 1999, our state demonstrated foresight and leadership in passing the law.

Interestingly, the original version of the act did not include an enforcement clause. One was added a few years later, but its language was too vague and permissive, creating the perception that enforcement was voluntary.

During the 2009 legislative session, a bill introduced by State Rep. Dona G. Irwin, D-Deming, sought to clarify the need for enforcement.

It received broad support in committee and passed both chambers with a clear majority. On April 3, Gov. Bill Richardson signed the bill into law.

The change to the law becomes effective today making enforcement mandatory.

Another noteworthy development is the American Medical Association's recent passage of Resolution 516: Advocating and Support for Light Pollution Control Efforts and Glare Reduction for Both Public Safety and Energy Savings.

At its annual meeting on June 15, Resolution 516 was approved as official policy.

The AMA now recognizes that the excessive and wasteful use of artificial lighting is detrimental to human health.

Saving money, reduced energy use, improved health and safety and a starry night sky — a winning combination.

Peter Lipscomb shares the wonder of the night sky as lead guide for Astronomy Adventures and works to promote sensible and energy efficient lighting practices. Contact him at pslipscomb@gmail.com