Legislation seeks to address light pollution to improve public health and protect wildlife while preserving safety
(BOSTON—7/1/2026) Under a bill passed today by the Senate, known as the ‘Dark Skies Bill,’ cities and towns would be able to save taxpayers money on the cost of operating streetlights with a new lower electric rate. Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington) voted in favor of the measure, which passed the Senate without opposition.
The bill—S.3145, An Act to improve outdoor lighting, conserve energy, and increase dark-sky visibility—focuses on outdoor lights owned by local or state government, such as streetlamps, as a means for increasing municipal affordability and supporting the environment.
The legislation also takes aim at light pollution, which occurs when outdoor light fixtures unnecessarily shine up into the sky. Addressing light pollution combats a significant threat to wildlife and helps make it easier to see the stars in the night sky.
“This legislation will have a profound impact on the lives and patterns of animals and residents across our Commonwealth,” said Senator Friedman, Chair of the Senate Committee on Steering and Policy. “Protecting wildlife can be as simple as being mindful of the impacts that our actions have, like how we can reduce the amount of light we emit, especially for streetlights shining into the sky where they are not serving their purpose. Additionally, this bill will help our municipalities conserve and spend less on the energy needed to provide outdoor lighting and enhance the view of our beautiful New England night sky, which is an added bonus. I thank Majority Leader Creem for her leadership on this initiative.”
Municipalities would be able to save on electricity costs under the legislation, which requires the creation of a new, reduced electric rate for low-wattage streetlights and parking lot lights.
The Senate proposal’s specifications also require those government-owned outdoor lights to be ‘fully shielded,’ meaning a shade is above the bulb to ensure that a streetlight shines down and out—toward the area being illuminated—and does not burn upward toward the sky.
Light pollution has been linked to damaging effects that impact a range of wildlife, including migrating birds, hatching sea turtles, and creatures of the night sky such as bats and fireflies.
Full details of the legislation are available in a fact sheet in the Senate’s press room.
The Senate Committee on Ways and Means unanimously voted on June 24, 2026 to advance the legislation to the full Senate. The bill is a redrafted version of legislation that was previously reviewed by the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.
Having been passed by the Senate on a 39-0 roll call vote, the legislation has been sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.
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