CHERYL GANCH: Light pollution cuts us off from evolutionary heritage

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After 15 years of effort by myriad citizens, two outdoor lighting task forces (the last of which I was a member) and thousands of hours of effort, it is time that Rio Rancho enact an outdoor lighting ordinance as so many other cities in New Mexico and around the country have done.

Living in a glare of our own making called light pollution, we have cut ourselves off from our evolutionary heritage the light of the stars and the rhythms of day and night.

Darkness is essential to the biological welfare of all living things.

Cheryl Ganch.

The American Medical Association passed a resolution in 2009 recognizing light pollution issues linked with health and safety. Glare from streetlights and intrusive light trespassing into our homes and bedroom windows is being linked to higher rates of cancer and other health problems.

Unsafe driving conditions also result from excessive glare on and along roadways. And the growth, behavior and survival of nocturnal species is being hurt by the disruption of the natural cycle of darkness.

Light pollution is largely the result of poorly designed light fixtures allowing light to shine outward and upward where not necessary (we dont park our cars above light poles and burglars dont float above the ground) instead of focusing light downward.

The simple solution to this problem is selecting fully shielded light fixtures that are dark sky friendly, which direct the light only where needed. Less energy is consumed and glare and light trespass are greatly reduced which is aesthetically pleasing, as well.

Reducing light trespass and glare affecting quality of life of all in Rio Rancho is the essence of the proposed Outdoor Lighting Ordinance on this Wednesdays governing body agenda. (Please note that under this agenda item No. 3 on the posted agenda on the citys website, there is a link to view an informative video supporting the enactment of an Outdoor Lighting Ordinance, which was created by the last Outdoor Lighting Task Force in their final report to the governing body in 2011.)

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CHERYL GANCH: Light pollution cuts us off from evolutionary heritage