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Commissioners adopt dark‑skies resolution, direct staff to identify equitable viewing sites
Summary
The board unanimously approved a resolution supporting responsible outdoor lighting and directing staff to study parks and county lands where night‑sky viewing could be made accessible to all communities; commissioners emphasized equity, wildlife impacts and phased implementation.
Santa Fe County commissioners voted unanimously to adopt a resolution supporting responsible outdoor lighting and preserving the region's night skies. The resolution, introduced by Commissioners Adam Johnson and Hank Hughes, asks staff to identify parks and county lands where night‑sky viewing can be made accessible and to study equitable implementation and timelines for any changes.
Public commenter Carol Beidleman framed night‑sky protection as an ecological and cultural issue, telling the board: "Now more than ever, we need to be proactive about protecting our dark skies." Commissioners discussed a phased approach to allow residents and businesses time to adjust lighting and suggested using existing home‑efficiency programs to help lower‑income households retrofit lighting over time. The resolution was approved with a friendly amendment to study access and costs for equitable sky‑viewing opportunities.
