In San Francisco, "Lights Out" Could Soon Be City Policy

In San Francisco, "Lights Out" Could Soon Be City Policy
To save energy, clear the night sky and help stop migratory birds from colliding into skyscrapers, at least two U.S. cities are urging buildings to shut out unnecessary lights
by Dan Shapely
6.1.2009

http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/migratory-birds-lights-47060102?src=nl&mag=tdg&list=dgr
http://www.thedailygreen.com/print-this/environmental-news/latest/migratory-birds-lights-47060102

Both San Francisco and Baltimore are moving toward limiting unnecessary skyscraper lighting, in order to prevent migratory birds collisions, prevent light pollution and save energy.

A proposal to blacken unnecessary lights in commercial buildings, a measure sponsored by the American Bird Conservancy, is being considered by San Francisco. Baltimore, too, has made a "lights out" policy part of its sustainability plan.

Why? Lighted skyscrapers send migratory birds off-course and often result in death-by-collision. As many as 975 million birds meet this fate each year, according to one estimate.

As the National Audubon Society put it, in one of its bird conservation tips for The Daily Green:

"Songbirds like bobolinks and hermit thrushes use constellations to guide them on their annual migrations, but bright lights in urban areas short-circuit their ability to steer. Every year millions crash into buildings and die. Close your curtains and blinds at night, turn out lights, and get your building manager to turn out lights that aren’t being used."

To read the full article: http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/migratory-birds-lights-47060102?src=nl&mag=tdg&list=dgr