RESOLUTION NO. ______, SERIES 2026
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A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING LIGHTS OUT LOUISVILLE AND VOLUNTARY REDUCTIONS IN UNNECESSARY NIGHTTIME LIGHTING DURING BIRD MIGRATION SEASONS.
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SPONSORED BY: COUNCIL MEMBER JP LYNINGER
WHEREAS, millions of migratory birds pass through Louisville and the surrounding region during spring and fall migration, and many songbirds migrate at night using natural celestial cues for navigation; and
WHEREAS, artificial light at night can attract, disorient, and exhaust migrating birds, increasing the risk of collisions with buildings and windows and contributing to substantial bird mortality nationwide; and
WHEREAS, Lights Out Louisville is a community conservation program led by the Louisville Audubon Society operating across Kentucky and Southern Indiana to make migration safer for birds by encouraging residents, businesses, institutions, and public agencies to reduce unnecessary artificial light at night during peak migration months; and
WHEREAS, Louisville Metro Government, Louisville Parks and Recreation, Louisville Free Public Library branches, and other public facilities can lead by example by turning off nonessential lighting, closing blinds or shades when interior lighting is needed, shielding outdoor lights downward, using motion sensors where appropriate, and selecting warm-colored lighting that reduces sky glow; and
WHEREAS, reducing unnecessary nighttime lighting can also lower energy use, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, decrease operating costs, improve views of the night sky, and support public health and neighborhood quality of life; and
WHEREAS, the recommended Lights Out period promoted by the Louisville Audubon Society is 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. during the peak spring migration months of April and May and the peak fall migration months of September and October; and
WHEREAS, Louisville’s participation in Lights Out Louisville would align the City with a national Lights Out movement led by Audubon and community partners, joining many cities and regions across the United States that have adopted or promoted Lights Out programs, resolutions, policies, or ordinances to reduce unnecessary nighttime lighting during bird migration; and
WHEREAS, a voluntary, education-based approach can engage property owners, tenants, residents, institutions, and visitors without compromising public safety, security, accessibility, or essential operations.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF THE LOUISVILLE/JEFFERSON COUNTY METRO GOVERNMENT (“COUNCIL”) AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION I: The Council hereby supports the goals of Lights Out Louisville and recognizes the importance of reducing unnecessary artificial light at night to protect migratory birds, conserve energy, reduce emissions, and promote a healthier night-time environment.
SECTION II: Louisville Metro Government is encouraged to continue and expand Lights Out practices at appropriate public facilities, parks, libraries, and administrative buildings during April, May, September, and October, particularly between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., while maintaining lighting necessary for safety, emergency response, accessibility, transportation, and security.
SECTION III: The Council encourages owners, managers, and occupants of commercial, residential, institutional, and mixed-use buildings to participate voluntarily by turning off decorative and nonessential lights, dimming lights where feasible, closing blinds or shades when interior lights remain on, using timers or motion sensors, shielding exterior fixtures downward, and choosing warm-colored lighting where replacement is practical.
SECTION IV: The Council requests that relevant Louisville Metro departments consider Lights Out principles in lighting maintenance, retrofits, new public projects, leases, facility operations, public communications, and sustainability planning, and that departments coordinate with community partners to share practical guidance for safe, effective participation.
SECTION V: The Council encourages the Office of Sustainability to engage in public outreach during migration seasons, including reminders to residents, businesses, neighborhood associations, schools, and civic institutions about peak migration months, recommended nighttime hours, the benefits of reduced light pollution, and the available ways to report bird-building collisions to the Louisville Audubon Society.
SECTION VI: This Resolution shall take effect upon its passage and approval or otherwise becoming law.
_______________________________ ________________________________
Sonya Harward Brent Ackerson
Metro Council Clerk President of the Council
______________________________ ______________________________
Craig Greenberg Approval Date
Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Michael J. O’Connell
Jefferson County Attorney
By: _________________________________
R-134-26 - Lights Out Louisville - HH 9-18-26