Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 13-20, 2026, as Dark Sky Week in the State of New York

Assembly Resolution No. 1179

BY: M. of A. Giglio

        MEMORIALIZING  Governor  Kathy  Hochul to proclaim
        April 13-20, 2026, as Dark Sky Week in the State  of
        New York

  WHEREAS,  It is the custom of this Legislative Body to observe weeks
set aside that promote enhancing the lives  of  the  citizenry  of  this
Great  State  of  New  York, particularly, those which serve to increase
interest in our planet and natural environment; and

  WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and  in  full  accord  with  its
long-standing  traditions,  this  Legislative  Body  is  justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 13-20, 2026, as Dark
Sky Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of
International Dark Sky Week; and

  WHEREAS, International Dark Sky Week is marked every year during the
week of the new moon in April, this year it will be observed from  April
13-20,  and this designated week calls upon everyone to switch off their
lights in the evening and marvel at the infinite grandeur of  the  night
sky; and

  WHEREAS,  Light  pollution, a human-made alteration of outdoor light
levels from those occurring naturally, is a  major  culprit  behind  the
limited  visibility  of stars in the night sky, hindering the ability to
observe the full beauty of the universe; and

  WHEREAS, Artificial light at night has  revolutionized  the  way  we
live  and  work  outdoors,  but  it  has  come  at  a  price;  when used
indiscriminately, outdoor lighting can disrupt  wildlife,  impact  human
health, waste money and energy, and block our view of the universe; and

  WHEREAS,   The  International  Dark-Sky  Association,  the  American
Astronomical Society, the  Astronomical  League,  and  Sky  &  Telescope
understood  the importance of reducing light pollution and endorsing the
initiative started by Jennifer Barlow in 2003, which grew in popularity,
and is now an international week celebrated on the darkest week of April
during the week of the new moon; and

  WHEREAS,  This  Legislative  Body  recognizes  the   importance   of
preserving  the  beauty  of  the  night  sky and promoting environmental
sustainability; and

  WHEREAS, This Legislative Body urges all  New  Yorkers  to  join  in
observing Dark Sky Week and support efforts to reduce light pollution by
switching off non-essential outdoor lights to preserve the beauty of the
night sky for future generations; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED,  That this Legislative Body, pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 13-20, 2026, as Dark
Sky Week in the State of New York; and be it further

  RESOLVED, That a copy of this  Resolution,  suitably  engrossed,  be
transmitted  to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.