The Upper Austrian state parliament enlightens us – in time for Pentecost – with a “blackout law”, namely in the fight against “light pollution”. A new paragraph 41c in the state’s environmental protection law stipulates that municipalities are obliged to operate public outdoor lighting systems in an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly manner.
In the future, only the level of light intensity required for safety reasons or required for the respective purpose will be permitted. The second half-sentence is necessary to enable, for example, Christmas lights. As with the heating, “night reduction” is also to be considered for the light in the future, i.e. switching off at night from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. In matters in which the state itself is responsible, the ÖNORM “Light immissions measurement and assessment” is declared binding, provided that this does not conflict with peace, order or security.Light saving has positive effectsIn the explanations of the draft law, the positive effects of reducing lighting are explained explains: “Saving of electrical energy, protection of insects, reduction of the artificial brightening of the night sky and the associated protection of nature and the landscape.” environmental advocate. The Greens are already talking about the “big change in light for Upper Austria”. For formal reasons, however, the law cannot be passed until autumn.
