Summary
In 2020, the town of Crestone, Colorado approved an ordinance regulating light pollution, making the town one of several declared “Dark Sky Communities” by the International Dark Sky Association. The purpose of this ordinance is “to preserve and protect the dark skies of [their] community.” The ordinance notes that recent studies show that dark skies promote the health of both humans and wildlife by supporting natural diurnal and nocturnal bio-rhythms, the work of nighttime pollinators, and the “harmful effects of artificial outdoor lighting on humans and other living things.”
While the ordinance primarily regards the quality of life, health, and safety of Crestone’s human community, it does make explicit reference to the benefit and wellbeing of the more-than-human community. Having previously passed a resolution recognizing the rights of nature, the enactment of this measure compliments protection of rights of natural communities.
Related Initiatives
Suggested Citation:
Kauffman, Craig, Catherine Haas, Alex Putzer, Shrishtee Bajpai, Kelsey Leonard, Elizabeth Macpherson, Pamela Martin, Alessandro Pelizzon & Linda Sheehan. Eco Jurisprudence Monitor. V2. 2025. Distributed by the Eco Jurisprudence Monitor.https://ecojurisprudence.org/initiatives/crestone-lighting-ordinance/.
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