We are the leadership team of DarkSky Olympic Peninsula, a newly formed local chapter of DarkSky International. We represent dark sky supporters and advocates for dark night skies here on the Olympic Peninsula.
We are writing in support of the protection of dark skies in Clallam County. We would like you to improve the lighting codes as you work on the county’s comprehensive plan. We respectfully ask that you and your colleagues collectively take additional action that can result in a reduction of light pollution county-wide. DarkSky Olympic Peninsula advocates for the Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting At Night. (ROLAN)
The Five Principles were developed in partnership with the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) and are recognized globally as best practices for outdoor lighting. These principles support effective design and sustainability, help reduce light pollution and carbon emissions, improve nighttime visibility, and promote public safety, while also saving money for municipalities and property owners.
The Five Principles are:
- Useful – Use light only if it is needed.
- Targeted – Direct light so it falls only where it is needed.
- Low level – The light should be no brighter than necessary.
- Controlled – Use light only when it is needed.
- Warm-colored – Use warm-color lights where possible.
Responsible lighting meets the needs of people to see at night, conserves precious energy, avoids harmful effects on wildlife and ecosystems, and protects our night skies. Responsible lighting requirements guard against over-lighting and high brightness sources that cause glare, light trespass, and sky glow. Excessive and misused lighting at night can cause biological disruption to humans and damage nocturnal ecosystems.
We urge Clallam County to be mindful of the opportunity at hand while developing the Clallam County comprehensive plan to adopt enhanced outdoor lighting requirements that prioritize responsible, well-designed lighting. These improvements will help preserve our natural night skies, reduce energy waste, support public safety, and protect environmental and human health. Strengthening local lighting codes and ensuring they are adequately enforced is a practical and community-minded step toward being good neighbors and stewards of our shared environment.
We look forward to seeing meaningful support on this important issue. As a resource for advocacy and action, we are ready to provide specific support and assistance in any area to affect the improvement of Clallam County’s outdoor lighting codes in the reduction of light pollution. Our thanks for your support and service to our community is much appreciated.
Sincerely, the leadership team of DarkSky Olympic Peninsula (darkskyopwa.org), a chapter of DarkSky International (darksky.org)
Respectfully,
Linda Kahananui, Clallam County
Scott Burgett, Clallam County
Jim Stanger, Jefferson County
Gery Gudgell, Clallam County
John Goar, Kitsap County
Patty Giffin, Clallam County