Thanks to everyone who read last week about the depressing news over light pollution in Arizona and turned activist. Powerful lobbyists had pushed for legislation that would have allowed exceptionally bright LED billboards to spring up around the state that is so well-known as a haven for observatories. The Arizona legislature passed the bill, forging a major defeat for astronomy in the state.
P. Cinzano/F. Falchi (Univ. of Padova)/C. D. Elvidge (NOAA NG Data Center)
However, your voice was heard loud and clear. Yesterday, Arizona
Governor Jan Brewer vetoed the bill, blocking the ability of advertisers to introduce such horrifying blights on the nightscape. Congratulations to the astronomy community and thanks to Governor Brewer for making this sound decision, which protects the night sky in this critical western state!
Related:
A depressing turn in Arizona (posted Thursday, March 22, 2012)
Critical light pollution battle raging in Arizona (posted Wednesday, March 7, 2012)