SR451 - Recognizing April 25, 2025, as Dark Sky Day.

          SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 451          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 Senate of the State of Texas, 89th   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   from the Texas Senate.     Blanco                 ________________________________          President of the Senate               I hereby certify that the     above Resolution was adopted by     the Senate on April 28, 2025.                 ________________________________          Secretary of the Senate                 ________________________________           Member, Texas Senate