Recognizing April 25, 2025, as Dark Sky Day.

89(R) SR 451 - Enrolled version - Bill Text

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 451

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 Senate of the State of Texas, 89th

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

from the Texas Senate.

Blanco

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the

above Resolution was adopted by

the Senate on April 28, 2025.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate