Archive: Opinions

First, congratulations and thanks on the occasion of the Lansing Star's anniversary. This on-line journal is a boon to the folks of Lansing.

I'm writing to comment on the article on public lighting (Lighting Concers Addressed) in today's Star. The article and the concerns of the EMC addressed only the direct health effects of short-wavelength (blue-weighted) LED lighting and its reduced carbon footprint and costs.

An equally important issue with regard to outdoor lighting in general is the broader environmental effect of light pollution. In many areas outdoor lighting completely obliterates one's view of the night sky and adversely affects animal migration and other behaviors. Steps can be taken in the design of outdoor lighting fixtures,'and their placement to mitigate these effects, and the county and other local municipalities should adopt local laws that address this issue.

Tom Vawter
Lansing, NY

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