Deschutes County is committed to protecting its night skies as part of the Oregon Outback Dark Sky Sanctuary, the world’s largest dark sky sanctuary. In an effort to reduce light pollution, the Deschutes County Planning Commission is hosting a public hearing on July 10 to discuss proposed changes to rural lighting regulations. The new guidelines aim to simplify outdoor lighting by emphasizing three key rules: ensuring lights point downward, fully shielded to prevent scatter, and minimizing spillover onto neighboring properties. While these guidelines will not be mandatory, they aim to streamline compliance and educate the public on responsible lighting practices. Community members are encouraged to participate in the hearing, providing input before final recommendations are made to the Board of County Commissioners.