HR915 - Recognizing April 25, 2025, as Dark Sky Day.

      H.R. No. 915       R E S O L U T I O N          WHEREAS, DarkSky Texas works to ensure the stars at night   glow "big and bright" all across our state; and          WHEREAS, The Texas chapter of DarkSky International, DarkSky   Texas encourages citizens and public officials to reduce light   pollution in urbanized areas and keep rural night skies naturally   dark; the group's volunteers raise awareness of the ways better   lighting practices can restore our view of the nighttime sky,   conserve energy, and improve the well-being of people and wildlife;   and          WHEREAS, DarkSky Texas educates residents about the effects   of outdoor lighting shining up toward the sky or onto properties   where it is not wanted; it addresses the economic cost of excess and   poorly aimed illumination, and it advocates for the elimination of   glare and the use of warm-hued lighting properly shielded in order   to enhance visibility by directing illumination only where it is   needed; moreover, it stresses the negative impact of outdoor   lighting that interferes with the scientific inquiry of   astronomers; and          WHEREAS, Through its efforts, DarkSky Texas supports   reduction of deaths among migrating birds, who play a vital role in   agriculture as pollinators and consumers of harmful insects; the   group is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge regarding the   importance of natural darkness for both flora and fauna, as well as   for the circadian rhythms of humans; and          WHEREAS, DarkSky Texas also promotes the opportunities   afforded by dark sky tourism, exemplified by the popular weekly   star parties conducted by the McDonald Observatory Visitors Center   near Fort Davis; the organization fosters appreciation for the many   communities that have begun to feature the beauty of their clear   nighttime views among their recreational assets; currently, more   than 20 sites in the state are designated International Dark Sky   Places; and          WHEREAS, The Lone Star State takes great pride in the   brilliance of its night skies, and DarkSky Texas has demonstrated a   steadfast commitment to preserving this magnificent heritage; now,   therefore, be it          RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas   Legislature hereby recognize April 25, 2025, as Dark Sky Day and   commend DarkSky Texas for its important work; and, be it further          RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be   prepared for the organization as an expression of high regard by the   Texas House of Representatives.     Troxclair     ______________________________   Speaker of the House                 I certify that H.R. No. 915 was adopted by the House on May   23, 2025, by a non-record vote.     ______________________________   Chief Clerk of the House