Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research		 BILL
ANALYSIS
Ecology & Parks Committee

HB 2534

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Restricting light pollution.

Sponsors: Representatives Lantz, Hunt, Appleton, Dunshee, Kagi and Chase.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Requires public and private outdoor lighting to be fully shielded.
  • Limits outdoor recreational facilities from utilizing outdoor lighting beyond scheduled events.
  • Restricts fully illuminating an outdoor display lot after 10:00 pm.
  • Requires all mercury vapor lamps or fixtures used for outdoor lighting to be removed by July 2009.

Hearing Date: 1/22/08

Staff: Jaclyn Ford (786-7339).

Background:

Signs Within 660 ft of the Primary Traveled Right-of-Way in Commercial and Industrial Areas
Signs within commercial and industrial areas which are illuminated by any flashing or moving lights are prohibited. Additionally, signs which cause glare or impair the vision of the driver of any motor vehicle are also prohibited [RCW 47.42.062].
      

Mercury Vapor Ballasts
Federal guidelines state that mercury vapor lamp ballasts (a part inside the lamp used for current stabilization) cannot be manufactured or imported after January 1, 2008 [Energy Policy Act of 2005. 42 USC 15801].

Summary of Bill:

All new public and private outdoor lighting installed after July 1, 2008 must be fully shielded. All other lighting is required to be fully shielded by July 1, 2012. A fully shielded light is a light that is installed and shielded in a manner such that all light rays emitted are projected below a horizontal plane running through the lowest point on the fixture.

Public infrastructure, temporary lighting, hazardous warning luminaries, seasonal and decorative lighting, and navigational lighting systems are exempt from being fully shielded.

Recreational facilities may not be illuminated outside of a regularly scheduled activity. Display lots may not be fully illuminated after 10:00 p.m.

Mercury vapor fixtures or lamps may not be installed, sold, leased, or purchased. All mercury lamps or fixtures must be removed by July 1, 2009.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Preliminary fiscal note is available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.