To the Editor;
The Town of Marlinton is considering replacing existing street lighting and expanding it with new LED Lights. These lights are more efficient than the existing lighting fixtures and should have extended lives reducing costs to the town.
These are all positive characteristics.
The move to more modern lighting can also be an opportunity to enhance our dark skies by reducing light pollution. Our area and many of the surrounding parks have been declared as Dark Sky locations which are rather unique on the East Coast. This designation is a draw for amateur astronomers and others that appreciate this unique environment whose visits contribute to the local economy. A move to more modern lighting is an opportunity for a win-win.
We have a unique opportunity to provide more cost-effective lighting for the town and at the same time to reduce the light pollution generated by following some simple principles.
Lights need to shine downward and not waste energy pointing upward where they provide no benefit and contribute to light pollution and the color temperature of the LEDs must be a warm color rated for temperatures at or below 3000K.
These simple common-sense measures can reduce light pollution and provide enhanced street lighting to the town. All of this can be achieved at no additional cost. We have an opportunity to make some smart choices with long term positive impacts; let’s make the smart call and protect the dark skies that make our area unique.
Joseph Kaffl
Hillsboro