Recognizing April 25, 2025, as Dark Sky Day.

89(R) HR 915 - Enrolled version - Bill Text

H.R. No. 915

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, DarkSky Texas works to ensure the stars at night

glow "big and bright" all across our state; and

WHEREAS, The Texas chapter of DarkSky International, DarkSky

Texas encourages citizens and public officials to reduce light

pollution in urbanized areas and keep rural night skies naturally

dark; the group's volunteers raise awareness of the ways better

lighting practices can restore our view of the nighttime sky,

conserve energy, and improve the well-being of people and wildlife;

and

WHEREAS, DarkSky Texas educates residents about the effects

of outdoor lighting shining up toward the sky or onto properties

where it is not wanted; it addresses the economic cost of excess and

poorly aimed illumination, and it advocates for the elimination of

glare and the use of warm-hued lighting properly shielded in order

to enhance visibility by directing illumination only where it is

needed; moreover, it stresses the negative impact of outdoor

lighting that interferes with the scientific inquiry of

astronomers; and

WHEREAS, Through its efforts, DarkSky Texas supports

reduction of deaths among migrating birds, who play a vital role in

agriculture as pollinators and consumers of harmful insects; the

group is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge regarding the

importance of natural darkness for both flora and fauna, as well as

for the circadian rhythms of humans; and

WHEREAS, DarkSky Texas also promotes the opportunities

afforded by dark sky tourism, exemplified by the popular weekly

star parties conducted by the McDonald Observatory Visitors Center

near Fort Davis; the organization fosters appreciation for the many

communities that have begun to feature the beauty of their clear

nighttime views among their recreational assets; currently, more

than 20 sites in the state are designated International Dark Sky

Places; and

WHEREAS, The Lone Star State takes great pride in the

brilliance of its night skies, and DarkSky Texas has demonstrated a

steadfast commitment to preserving this magnificent heritage; now,

therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas

Legislature hereby recognize April 25, 2025, as Dark Sky Day and

commend DarkSky Texas for its important work; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be

prepared for the organization as an expression of high regard by the

Texas House of Representatives.

Troxclair

______________________________

Speaker of the House

I certify that H.R. No. 915 was adopted by the House on May

23, 2025, by a non-record vote.

______________________________

Chief Clerk of the House