Concurrent resolution; recognizing the impact of light pollution on bird mortality; encouraging Oklahomans to turn off exterior lights during the high migration intensity months.

ENGR. S. C. R. NO. 22 Page 1
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ENGROSSED SENATE
CONCURRENT
RESOLUTION NO. 22 By: Nice of the Senate

and

Hefner of the House

A Concurrent Resolution recognizing the impact of
light pollution on bird mortality; and encouraging
Oklahoma businesses, state agencies, organizations,
and residents to turn off any exterior lighting
during the high migration intensity months of April,
May, September and October.

WHEREAS, the State of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Animal Coalition
aim to provide birds safe passage during migration periods by
reducing light pollution, as well as building and glass collisions,
through the Lights Out Oklahoma campaign; and
WHEREAS, birds help with the control of pests, carrion
regulation, pollination, and seed dispersal while adding beauty and
connecting people to nature and the outdoors; and
WHEREAS, birdwatching is an economic driver in the State of
Oklahoma and is a fun, relaxing, multigenerational, educational and
wellness activity for all; and
WHEREAS, a wide diversity of birds in Oklahoma indicates a
healthy environment; and

ENGR. S. C. R. NO. 22 Page 2
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WHEREAS, Oklahoma is part of the central flyway through which
approximately 400 different species of birds migrate during the
spring and fall; and
WHEREAS, the Oklahoma state bird, the scissor-tailed flycatcher,
is one of the many species of birds that migrate to our state to
nest and rear their young; and
WHEREAS, most birds migrate at night, navigate by using the
stars and moon, and can become disoriented by bright artificial
light and sky glow, resulting in exhaustion and deadly collisions
with buildings, glass, power lines, and vehicles; and
WHEREAS, collisions with buildings is one of the top causes of
mortality of birds in the United States; and
WHEREAS, the Lights Out Oklahoma program strategy is aimed to
persuade building owners and managers and homeowners to turn off
exterior lighting on all buildings at night during the high
migration intensity months of April, May, September and October; and
WHEREAS, these measures save energy and money and protect birds
migrating to nesting grounds in the spring and wintering grounds in
the fall; and
WHEREAS, Oklahoma joins the international community and states
including Texas, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri and Florida in
sponsoring Lights Out projects to protect birds during migration.

ENGR. S. C. R. NO. 22 Page 3
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE 2ND SESSION
OF THE 60TH OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
CONCURRING THEREIN:
THAT the Oklahoma State Legislature supports reducing bird
mortality in the areas and encourages Oklahoma businesses, state
agencies, organizations, and residents to turn off any exterior
lighting during the high migration intensity months of April, May,
September and October.
Adopted by the Senate the 22nd day of April, 2026.

Presiding Officer of the Senate

Adopted by the House of Representatives the ____ day of _______,
2026.

Presiding Officer of the House
of Representatives