The Light Air Noise Bylaw committee was established by the Board of Selectmen in 2019. Its purpose is to advise the town regarding environmental pollution. The LAN committee is pleased to present the Outdoor Lighting Bylaw which it will propose to the town for approval at November Town Meeting. LAN has worked on this draft for more than a year in collaboration with town departments, committees and Boards, and Town Counsel.

Light pollution is the fastest growing form of environmental pollution.  It’s not just an issue for the astronomer, however; the costs to human and animal health are now very evident. Fortunately, light pollution is the most easily solvable environmental problem. By passing a common sense bylaw we can save energy, save tax payer dollars AND save the environment.

Tim Brothers, a member of LAN, will be leading the discussion. Tim is the observatory manager of MIT's Wallace Astrophysical Observatory in Westford and a technical instructor in the Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences. In addition to education and outreach, he’s the Vice President of the newly formed Massachusetts Chapter of the International Dark-Sky Association.