Section 415 ILCS 200/5 - [Effective 1/1/2025] FindingsThe General Assembly finds that:
(1) Article XI of the Illinois Constitution states the public policy of the State and the duty of each person is to provide and maintain a healthful environment for the benefit of this and future generations and that the General Assembly shall provide by law for the implementation and enforcement of this policy.(2) The House of Representatives has resolved in House Resolution 884 of the 96th General Assembly to (i) express its support for improved night preservation practices in Illinois, (ii) encourage State agencies to adopt suitable outdoor lighting practices based on the principles of applying artificial light only where it is needed, when it is needed, and to only the levels needed using the best safety and energy-efficient standards available, and (iii) encourage the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center of the University of Illinois to provide artificial outdoor illumination engineering assistance to State agencies, municipalities, and businesses that seek to implement responsible outdoor lighting to conserve and preserve the important natural phenomenon of night.(3) The Senate has resolved in Senate Resolution 64 of the 103rd General Assembly that local governments in Illinois should abide by the International Dark-Sky Association (now known as Dark Sky International) guidelines and lighting principles to help mitigate the effects of light pollution produced by outdoor lighting.(4) The State should promote responsible outdoor lighting.(5) Government structures, facilities, places, and spaces should serve as models of best practices for private structures, facilities, places, and spaces. These government structures, facilities, places, and spaces should encourage residents, business owners, and others to join in transitioning to responsible lighting.Added by P.A. 103-1007,§ 5, eff. 1/1/2025.