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Dark-sky awareness bill laid on table after committee questions; patron to coordinate with existing efforts
Summary
Delegate Reid proposed converting dark-sky awareness work to DCR-managed preserves and awareness efforts; supporters cited wildlife and energy benefits, but the subcommittee voted 8-1 to lay the bill on the table and the patron said he would coordinate with existing programs.
Delegate Talget Reid introduced House Bill 407 and a set of line amendments that, among other edits, replace references to the Department of Environmental Quality with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Reid described the bill as an outgrowth of a 2024 dark-sky awareness week and a constituent request to expand awareness and create additional dark-sky preserves administered through DCR.
"This is an outgrowth of a constituent request from work that we did in 2024," Reid said, framing the bill as awareness-focused and not intended to be punitive to neighbors. Committee members asked whether the amendments preserved or removed language directing the agency to work with local government groups (VACO and VML); the chair and counsel confirmed lines directing DEQ/DCR to work with VACO and VML were stricken. Delegate Ware asked about a fiscal impact; Reid said he had not been told of any fiscal impacts.
Ellie Wilson of Environment Virginia testified in support, saying light pollution harms wildlife and can increase energy use: "Educating people about light pollution can also reduce energy usage," she said. After discussion, Delegate Dolly Glass moved to lay the bill on the table; the motion passed by a vote of 8 to 1. Reid said he would work with his constituent to connect them to existing efforts after session.
