County mulls protection for starry view

Dark skies ordinance would regulate outdoor lighting

Yuma County residents are fortunate. On any given night, if the sky is clear (which it usually is), one can drive out to the desert and be treated to an amazing expanse of twinkling stars.

It’s not a perk that big-city dwellers can enjoy. San Diego, for example, may offer amazing beaches and sunny skies during the day, but between the light pollution and the cloud coverage, starry nights are not one of the city’s guaranteed attractions.

In Yuma, one only has to drive a few miles, and sky is a vibrant, sparkling tapestry.

Now, the Yuma County Board of Supervisors is considering a dark skies ordinance to protect the nighttime view.

According to the International Dark Sky Association, light pollution can negatively impact the environment and our health, pointing to research indicating possible links between artificial light and increased risks for obesity, depression, sleep disorders, diabetes and other illness. Light pollution can also lead to increased energy consumption.

The association points out that outdoor lighting at night can be “inefficient, overly bright, poorly targeted, improperly shielded and, in many cases, completely unnecessary.” On the other side of the conversation is the potential impact on future residential or industrial development in the county. Would such an ordinance in Yuma County be a deterrent to future growth?

Yuma County District 3 Supervisor Darren Simmons says he’s heard from constituents who would like more regulation of outdoor lighting — which is a prime contributor to light pollution of the night sky.

Simmons notes that now, one can see “millions of stars” from the county — which is one of reasons why people move out there.

Any action by the county would not apply to the four incorporated municipalities, any federal or stateowned property, or agricultural land exempt from the county zoning ordinance under state law.

The night sky is a tremendous asset for Yuma County residents. The question is, would you support a dark sky ordinance in Yuma County? Share your thoughts online at www.YumaSun.com, or send in a Letter to the Editor at letters@yumasun.com.