Senate rejects Dark Sky Week resolution after floor debate over safety and education

Senator Beard presented Senate Concurrent Resolution 4004 on the floor, seeking to declare April 21–28, 2025, North Dakota Dark Sky Week to raise awareness about light pollution, energy savings and potential effects on migratory birds. The Energy and Natural Resources Committee recommended do not pass by a vote of 6–1. After floor debate that included both supportive and cautionary remarks, the Senate rejected the resolution by a roll-call vote of 17–29.

Why it matters: Supporters framed the resolution as educational and nonbinding, intended to reduce light pollution and encourage energy-conscious lighting choices. Opponents and the committee record expressed concern that urging municipalities or facilities to dim lighting could create public-safety risks or be difficult to implement without local consultation.

Floor discussion highlights

- Senator Beard (committee sponsor) summarized the committee’s deliberations and read the resolution’s intent to urge residents to observe Dark Sky Week during the new-moon phase.

- Senator Mather urged passage as an educational measure: "We educate. And this is a resolution. It is not a law," he told colleagues, arguing the resolution would spread awareness about wildlife, energy savings and human circadian rhythms.

- Senator Gearhart, the lone dissenting committee member, said the idea of conserving unnecessary light resonated personally but emphasized caution about mandating or encouraging reductions that could harm safety: "The important word to key in on here is, is unnecessary," he said.

Vote and outcome: The final roll-call tally on SCR4004 was 17 yes, 29 no; the resolution failed.

Next steps: No further Senate action on the resolution was recorded; committee sponsorship and floor debate are available in the Senate record.