NEW YORK (PIX11) \u2014 The bright lights of New York City that shine in the night sky could dim significantly in the not-so-distant future.<\/p>\n
A bill proposed by the now Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal, the \u201cDark Skies Protection Act,\u201d would put limitations and regulations on outdoor night lighting throughout the entire state.<\/p>\n
More Local News <\/a><\/p>\n The \u201cDark Skies Act\u201d (S5007<\/a>) is an act to amend the environmental conservation law to \u201cenhance the state\u2019s dark sky\u201d and control light pollution in New York through time limits from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.<\/p>\n \u201cOur ancestors were able to experience a night sky full of stars,\u201d the bill reads. \u201cAlong the northeastern coast, the Milky Way is no longer visible from Boston to New York City to Washington DC. Exposure to excess artificial light can disrupt the body\u2019s natural circadian rhythms, causing changes to brain wave patterns, hormone production, cell regulation, and other biologic activities.\u201d<\/p>\n How New York would go dark<\/p>\n By Jan. 1, 2028, all outdoor light fixtures, both permanent and portable, would need to be shielded at residential, commercial, industrial and municipal buildings and structures.<\/p>\n \u201cShielded\u201d would mean to direct the light\u2019s rays in a downward direction rather than it spraying to all directions.<\/p>\n Stay connected with community stories that matter: Visit our homepage <\/a><\/p>\n Who is exempt?<\/p>\n Outdoor recreational facilities\u2014ballparks, fields, amphitheaters, arenas or similar facilities\u2014 would be exempt if the event is in progress before 11 p.m.<\/p>\n Lighting systems at airports or other necessary aircraft safety lights would be exempt as well. Outdoor lighting for construction or worker safety at agricultural facilities, industrial, manufacturing or commercial sites would also be exempt.<\/p>\n The exemption also applies to emergency lighting used by police, firefighters, correctional or medical personnel, as well as lighting used for tunnels and roadway underpasses.<\/p>\n The bill is currently in the Senate Committee.<\/p>\n Spencer Gustafson is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered New York state and city news since 2023. See more of his work here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.<\/p>\n