Rep. April Connors’ anti-light pollution bill receives green light from Legislature, heads to governor’s desk
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Rep. April Connors’ anti-light pollution bill receives green light from Legislature, heads to governor’s desk
A bill by Rep. April Connors to restrict light pollution from wind turbines cleared its final legislative hurdle today. The measure now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature.
Wind turbines are equipped with blinking red lights as a safety measure for nearby aircraft traveling at night. While the lights serve an important safety function, they are also an eyesore for local residents and cause light pollution.
House Bill 1173 would require warning lights on wind turbines to turn on automatically only when needed by aircraft.
“I am grateful for the overwhelming support this measure received in the House and Senate,” said Connors, R-Kennewick. “House Bill 1173 will help preserve the beauty of our night skies in Eastern Washington.”
The bill passed the House 94-1 and the Senate 48-1. The House voted 95-1 to concur with the version of the bill amended in the Senate.
“House Bill 1173 is a prime example of what good, community-minded public policy looks like,” said House Republican Leader J.T. Wilcox, R-Yelm. “In her first year as a legislator, I’ve been impressed by Representative Connors’ ability to advance consequential bills through the legislative process. This measure will make a real difference in the lives of her constituents.”
