Letter to Electrical Distributors

An Open Letter to New Mexico Electrical Distributors and Suppliers

Dear Distributor:

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Since 1999 in New Mexico, there has been legislation, The Night Sky Protection Act, regulating light pollution. Unfortunately, light polluting fixtures are still being sold and installed throughout the state.

In addition to the state law, municipalities, counties, villages, towns, cities, and subdivisions have created their own Outdoor Lighting Ordinances and restrictive covenants that are more stringent than the state law.  New Mexicans are in agreement: Our night sky is a treasure worthy of protection from light pollution.

HERE'S WHAT YOU CAN DO!
 

• Please review your product lines and be sure that your Outdoor lighting fixtures meet the  requirements and Sprit of the Night Sky Protection Act. An added benefit of compliant lighting  is that it is often more energy efficient than older non compliant fixtures
• As a rule of thumb, good outdoor lighting fixtures need to be shielded and  downward-facing.  No light should escape above the horizontal plane.  In most cases,  light must be shielded at least 15' below the horizontal.  At a minimum, light fixtures  must conform to a full-cutoff model. (see accompanying illustrations)
• By law, no mercury vapor light fixtures or replacement bulbs are allowed in the state.
• Many jurisdictions require "grandfathered" lighting to be brought into compliance within a set time   period - therefore it makes good economic sense to supply your buyers with only those fixtures that  are shielded and otherwise in compliance.

The "spirit" of our laws and ordinances is to create a safe, secure, environment that places light only where it is needed, saves energy, prevents glare, light trespass, energy waste, sky-glow, unnecessary over lighting, and protects the magnificent night sky.  As New Mexicans, you too, share in and appreciate the benefits of appropriate lighting and a better, safer, more night-friendly environment.

We join the Construction Industries Division, in thanking you for your cooperation and for doing your part to protect New Mexico's night sky.

For more information please contact : (505) 989-3696, (505) 989-7745 or e-mail at: Sky@NMHeritage.org

Sincerely,

The Night Sky Program Staff