The solution for disappearing dark skies<\/p>\n
DarkSky International<\/a>, founded in 1988, is the nation\u2019s largest advocacy organization seeking to restore the globe\u2019s dark skies. The nonprofit recommends five principles for maintaining outdoor lighting<\/a>: use only if necessary, direct only where needed, keep no brighter than\u00a0 needed, use only when needed and use warmer color lights where possible.<\/p>\n The organization has certified 179 locations in the United States as Dark Skies Places. Only one is in Pennsylvania: Cherry Springs State Park<\/a> in Potter County.<\/p>\n In 2021, DarkSkies International, through the assistance of a local chapter<\/a>, helped Pittsburgh<\/a> draft an ordinance to slash light pollution through the use of dimmer, environmentally friendly lighting fixtures<\/a>.<\/p>\n Lawlor, of Penn State Brandywine, plays a key role on the West Chester Green Team\u2019s Dark Skies Committee<\/a>. He said it is up to local organizations to press municipalities\u00a0 to combat light pollution. Lawlor pointed to the successes of the Lights Out Philly initiative<\/a>, which seeks to prevent migratory birds from crashing into buildings<\/a> by asking property owners to turn off lights at night.<\/p>\n The local Dark Skies Committee caught the attention of state Rep. Chris Pielli, D-Chester County, and helped him put together House Bill 969<\/a>, which seeks to cut light pollution on all state and state-funded properties.<\/p>\n