DarkSky Advances Outdoor Lighting Policy with 2026 Code Templates and New Research on High-Angle Emissions
Updated Code Templates for Modern Lighting Policy
DarkSky International has released its 2026 U.S. State and Municipal Code templates for Outdoor Lighting, providing updated guidance for lawmakers, municipalities, and advocates working to improve nighttime lighting practices.
The new templates build on the 2024 versions that replaced the 2011 Model Lighting Ordinance (MLO), continuing the organization’s effort to modernize policy frameworks that address light pollution while supporting safety, visibility, and community character. Designed for real-world adoption, the templates use flexible, legislatively aligned language and were developed in collaboration with lighting professionals, environmental scientists, planners, and industry stakeholders.
Grounded in the Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting
The templates aim to help communities reduce glare, limit skyglow, and minimize environmental impacts. They also provide a practical roadmap for implementation at both the municipal and state levels.
Step-by-Step Guidance for Municipalities
For municipalities, the guidance outlines a step-by-step approach—from identifying whether an outdoor lighting ordinance already exists to drafting updated code, building stakeholder support, and submitting proposals to local officials. DarkSky also offers a formal review program to evaluate draft ordinances for clarity, enforceability, and alignment with best practices. Communities that successfully adopt compliant codes may qualify for the organization’s DarkSky Recognized designation.
Supporting Statewide Legislative Efforts
At the state level, the templates are intended to support broader legislative efforts, encouraging coordinated policy adoption across larger regions. DarkSky emphasizes the importance of coalition-building, bipartisan support, and long-term advocacy, noting that statewide legislation often requires sustained engagement.
The release was accompanied by a DarkSky Advocate Action meeting, which included training sessions, Q&A, and collaborative discussions. These resources aim to help participants better navigate the policy development process.
New Research on High-Angle Light Emissions
In tandem with the code updates, DarkSky also published a new white paper examining near-horizontal light emissions. The research highlights the growing impact of light emitted at very high angles—specifically between 80° and 90° above nadir—on atmospheric light pollution. According to the findings, this type of light provides minimal visual benefit in most applications while contributing disproportionately to skyglow.
The paper recommends increased scrutiny of high-angle emissions, particularly for luminaires exceeding 1,000 lumens, signaling a potential shift toward stricter limits in future lighting policies and standards.
Advancing Responsible Outdoor Lighting
Together, the updated templates and supporting research reinforce DarkSky’s ongoing mission to advance responsible outdoor lighting through a combination of science-based guidance, policy tools, and industry collaboration.