| A proposal to regulate lighting in the unincorporated zones of Fort Bend County was tabled by Precinct 1 Commissioner Tom Stavinoha on Tuesday. Stavinoha, who submitted the agenda item, said he would like to push the issue back until March 16.
Before the lighting proposal came up for vote by Commissioners Court, however, a number of residents spoke on the issue as part of a public hearing. Most of those speaking were astronomy enthusiasts in favor of the proposal, but three individuals expressed their disapproval of the measure.
The ordinance has been pushed by George Observatory enthusiasts, and calls for shielded lighting to prevent the scattering of light upwards and hindering the view of stars from the George Observatory. The proposal calls for all existing lights to be grandfathered.
Stavinoha said he now wants to reexamine the four lighting zones established by the ordinance and possibly exclude far away areas such as Cinco Ranch and Fulshear from Zone 2, with its strict requirements. Stavinoha also said he looks to create a clearer policy of enforcement, possibly leaving that duty in the hands of George Observatory enthusiasts.
Needville resident George Islieb called the measure unnecessary and based on false premises.
Islieb also said the ordinance had not been made available to any citizens wanting to speak against it and called the fact the ordinance had been posted on a website of the National Dark Skies Association "unethical."
Islieb asked the court to do more research on the topic, accusing Stavinoha of not researching the topic.
"This thing is going to be totally unenforceable; its going to have an adverse effect on people living in the outer areas of the county," he said.
Islieb also called the timing of the public hearing, at 1 p.m. Tuesday, "ridiculous," saying many could not make the meeting.
Charles M. "Sonny" Harris, a resident of Richmond, said he opposed the ordinance and any ordinance that zones, restricts land use or infringes on private property rights.
Harris said enforcement for the proposal will have to be equal, referring to the different lighting zones established by the ordinance. Harris said the "downlights" proposed in the ordinance do not save money. He said the bulb and ballast save energy.
Harris said security lights purchased by many farmers were bought to spread light, and therefore cover a larger area with fewer lights. Harris also said people "are not going to be happy with Precinct 1 commissioner" when they find they may not replace their light fixtures like before.
Fresno resident and Democratic Precinct 1 Commissioner candidate Rodrigo Carreon disagreed with the notion that shielded lighting results in savings and told the commissioners other kinds of pollution besides light pollution present a greater issue to him.
Among those speaking in favor of the proposal was Barbara Wilson, acting director of the George Observatory.
Wilson pointed out that a 1999 Legislature bill calls for highways and all state projects to be constructed with pollution-free lighting
"We need this bill or the George Observatory will cease to exist," she said.
Those speaking in favor of the proposal said downdraft lighting will save both individuals and taxpayers money, saying such lighting lasts longer and saves energy. One individual noted the recent Northeast power failures in arguing the compliant lighting saves energy. Individuals also called shielded lighting safer than other types, saying they reduce glare for drivers.
Two individuals said over lighting adversely affects wildlife, notably birds such as owls and other animals such as bees.
A number of people also spoke in favor of the benefits of the observatory to the community, and several speakers noted the number of tourists visiting the facility and the astronomical findings from the facility.
Phil Inderwiezen, who drafted the proposal, took his turn to defend accusations made by those speaking against the proposal.
Inderwiezen said he spoke with farmers who don't use lighting because they don't want to show "the crooks what he has to steal." Inderwiezen said he is not a pawn of the International Dark Skies Association and noted that he did receive consulting from one expert in the field.
Inderwiezen said Calgary saved 16,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions and $1.5 million a year by converting street lights, and that a facility in Port Arthur saves $500,000 a year.
Inderwiezen also said that at $34.88, a proper, shielded light bulb recoups the cost over "glare bombs" in six months.
Inderwiezen also challenged the notion that brighter lights bring more security, saying the San Antonio School District prevented much vandalism by lowering their lighting at night.
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