DARK SKY PRESERVE H.B. 5414 (H-1):
COMMITTEE SUMMARY
House Bill 5414 (Substitute H-1 as passed by the House)
Sponsor: Representative Frank Foster
House Committee: Natural Resources, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation
Senate Committee: Natural Resources, Environment and Great Lakes
CONTENT
The bill would amend Part 751 (Dark Sky Preserve) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to designate certain land in Emmet and Huron Counties as dark sky preserves.
Part 751 designates specific State-owned land at Lake Hudson in Lenawee County as a dark sky preserve. The bill also would designate the following as dark sky preserves:
-- The State-owned land encompassing Wilderness State Park and the State forestland within Bliss Township, Cross Village Township, and Wawatam in Emmet County.
-- The portions of Port Crescent State Park lying north and west of the Pinnebog River in a specific section of Hume Township, Huron County.
(Part 751 requires the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) to ensure that outdoor lighting within a dark sky preserve is not installed unless necessary for safety, security, or the reasonable use and enjoyment of property within the preserve. In addition, the NRC must ensure that outdoor lighting within a preserve does not unreasonably interfere with nighttime activities that require darkness, such as the enjoyment of the night sky, nighttime photography, and wildlife photography. Within a dark sky preserve, the NRC must ensure that all outdoor lighting is directed downward; provided by fully shielded fixtures, whenever possible; and, wherever practical and appropriate, provided by motion sensor fixtures rather than fixtures that remain lighted during all hours of darkness.)
MCL 324.75101 et al. Legislative Analyst: Julie Cassidy
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.