New York City wants to limit street lighting at night

On January 6, two state legislators introduced legislation to limit outdoor lighting at night to better protect migratory birds. It is reported by Spectrum Local News.

The measure, backed by Manhattan Senator Brad Hoylman and Albany MP Pat Fahey, will require most of the secondary outdoor lighting to be turned off by 11 p.m. if traffic is activated or the outside screen is hidden.

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Bill will work to ensure that birds migrating at night are not disoriented by bright night lights and bright buildings.

“Buildings shouldn't kill birds,” Hoilman said. “In just one night this fall, construction workers found more than 200 migratory birds dead at the base of two buildings on Manhattan... Although Albany passed legislation in 2014 to reduce excess light from public buildings to prevent migratory bird collisions, we must build on that success and reduce exposure to artificial light across the state. ”

In New York City alone, between 90 and 000 birds die each year from impacts to buildings.

“It is not only the number of reported bird deaths and mass deaths that is growing. Light pollution disrupts migration patterns and affects ecosystems that depend on these patterns and the presence of certain bird species, ”Fahi said.

This measure was supported by Audubon New York and NYC Audubon. Voluntary action taken by buildings to limit light pollution did not have a large enough impact on limiting bird mortality.