Connors’ light pollution bill moves forward
By Terry Murry on Monday, February 6th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
OLYMPIA – The House Environment and Energy Committee unanimously passed a light pollution mitigation bill introduced by Rep. April Connors (R-Kennewick). The measure would change the way wind turbines are lit.
As a safety measure, the turbines are equipped with blinking red lights for aircraft that pass overhead at night. Connors said that while the lights serve an important safety function, they are also an eyesore for local residents and cause light pollution.
House Bill 1173 would require the warning lights to turn on automatically only when they are needed by aircraft.
“I greatly appreciate the bipartisan, unanimous support for this measure,” Connors said. This bill is about preserving the beauty of our night sky.”
The bill now awaits a vote from the full House of Representatives.
MyCB photo by Dan Thesman
