Advocates for preserving dark skies worldwide are commending the efforts of an oil and natural gas developer in New Mexico for reducing light pollution. DarkSky International, a group dedicated to protecting views of starry skies, recently certified oil and natural gas sites for their efforts to minimize unwanted light pollution. Denver-based Franklin Mountain Energy received recognition for implementing lighting retrofits at two existing sites and one new location in southeastern New Mexico, a major oil production zone. These changes are expected to reduce skyglow in areas such as Carlsbad Caverns National Park, a popular spot for astronomy enthusiasts and night hikers.
Franklin Mountain Energy's cofounder highlighted that the lighting modifications will enhance safety for workers while also decreasing electricity consumption. The company collaborated with federal land and parks agencies, telescopic observatories, and the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association to implement recommendations such as directing light downward onto work areas and limiting upward light dispersion.
Concerns about light pollution affecting stargazing activities have been growing globally. A recent study revealed that artificial lighting is increasing the brightness of the night sky by approximately 10% annually. By 2016, over 80% of the world's population was living under light-polluted skies.
In response to the escalating light pollution issue, New Mexico lawmakers are working on updating a 1999 law that regulates outdoor night lighting in high-altitude mountain and desert regions of the state. The proposed changes aim to address the surge in light pollution due to the widespread use of energy-efficient LED technology, leading to increased unshielded outdoor lighting.
The National Park Service has prioritized the protection of dark night skies at remote locations like Chaco Culture National Historic Park, a sacred area for Native Americans in New Mexico. Over 99% of the park currently has no permanent outdoor lighting, emphasizing the importance of preserving natural darkness for both cultural and environmental reasons.
