Update:
On June 15 Governor Ned Lamont signed HB6607 into law!
Organizing to pass the bill was a combined effort of Lights Out Connecticut bringing together organizations across the state, including Audubon Connecticut, Connecticut Audubon Society, Connecticut Ornithological Association, CT Chapter of Dark Sky, New Haven Bird Club, Pollinator Pathway, and CT chapter of the Sierra Club Foundation, and many others.
“We’re going to celebrate passage of Public Act 23-143 with a Strawberry & Firefly Festival on June 30 featuring a bird walk and a bird-themed sing along,” said Meredith Barges, co-chair of the Lights Out effort. “All are invited to help us celebrate this victory for the birds and the night sky!”
From Lights Out CT Campaign:
Dear Friends,
Last night H.B. 6607, the “Lights Out CT” bill, was unanimously voted out of the Senate, thanks to your support and advocacy! This bill is a MAJOR step forward in protecting birds ~ and all of us! ~ against light pollution. Connecticut is now the FOURTH state in the nation to have a comprehensive Lights Out bill to protect migratory birds from the harmful effects of light pollution.
H.B. 6607 is a unique bill. This bipartisan, money-saving legislation addresses both biodiversity loss and climate change, two of the biggest threats facing our natural environment. We’re very fortunate to live in a state that values our natural resources, our birds, our health, and the night sky by taking steps to combat light pollution.
A special thanks to Rep. Ann Hughes (D-135th) for reviving this bill. After it failed last year to get out of committee, it was reintroduced by her and then carried by the Environment Committee, with 10 of its members co-sponsoring the bill, including Rep. Aundre Bumgardner, Rep. David Michel, Sen. Saud Anwar, Rep. Laura Dancho, Rep. Patricia A. Dillon, Rep Joseph Gresco, Sen. Jan Hochadel, Sen. Ceci Maher, Rep. Mary M. Mushinsky, and Rep. Frank Smith. Please take a minute to thank all of your state representatives and senators for supporting this bill. It passed both houses unanimously!
Passing H.B. 6607 was a combined effort of Lights Out Connecticut bringing together organizations across the state, including Audubon Connecticut, Connecticut Audubon, Connecticut Ornithological Association, CT Chapter of Dark Sky, New Haven Bird Club, Pollinator Pathway, and CT chapter of the Sierra Club, and many others. Too many to mention.
Now, the bill will go to Gov. Ned Lamont for signature. We’re already thinking up fun ways to celebrate H.B. 6607 once it officially becomes law. Possibilities include a Firefly Festival or Summer Night Star Gazing Party in Lyme, where the Milky Way can still be glimpsed on a clear night.
Let’s celebrate this victory for the birds and the night sky!
Sincerely Yours,
Craig Repasz & Meredith Barges
Co-Chairs, Lights Out Connecticut