Saturday, April 19, 2025

Palo Alto Council Member Aims to Enact Measure to Reduce Light Pollution

Posted in
on
The Palo Alto City Council is considering a new Dark Sky ordinance aimed at reducing light pollution in the city. Spearheaded by Councilman Greer Stone, the proposal seeks to regulate outdoor lighting, including restrictions on brightness and curfews for lighting usage. The ordinance would limit outdoor lighting to a warmer amber hue and require lights to be turned off by midnight unless essential for safety. While Stone emphasizes the benefits of reducing light pollution for both aesthetics and public health—citing connections to reduced risks of dementia, cancer, and mental health issues—some residents have raised concerns about safety implications related to decreased outdoor lighting. Stone acknowledges these concerns and is working on draft revisions to include exemptions for areas with higher crime rates, underscoring the importance of balancing community safety with the initiative’s goals.

Read More