Interview with Lori Baccanari, Joe Reynes, and Mary Frances Bellman of Citizens for Responsible Lighting (Norfolk, VA)
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This Episode:
We explore how one grassroots group is trying to improve nighttime lighting applications at a municipal level. In 2023, Norfolk, Virginia undertook an estimated $5M project to replace existing fixtures with LEDs. The result appears to have some negative externalities, resulting in the formation of the Norfolk, Virginia based, Citizens for Responsible Lighting community organization. With over 40 presentations under their belt, they are pressing the city of Norfolk to create a sustainable night environment, whereby citizens can enjoy a feeling of safety from targeted lighting that doesn’t trespass from pathways or roads.
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Host:
Guests:
Citizens for Responsible Lighting.
Citizens for Responsible Lighting members Lori Baccanari, Mary Frances Bellman, and Joe Reynes discuss
Article List:
- Norfolk group advocates for eco-friendly streetlighting, Jay Greene, WTKR 3.
- $3M in federal money coming to Norfolk for streetlight upgrades, WAVY TV.
Why It’s So Bright At Night Recap:
The podcast episode “Why It’s So Bright at Night”, hosted by Bill McGeeney, spotlights a grassroots advocacy group in Norfolk, Virginia called Citizens for Responsible Lighting. The group is responding to concerns over excessively bright LED streetlights being installed as part of a citywide conversion project led by Dominion Energy, funded by a $3 million federal grant. This move is part of Norfolk’s plan, initiated in November 2023, to retrofit existing fixtures with 3000K to 4000K LED lights, including decorative “acorn”-style luminaires.
Key Concerns Raised by Citizens for Responsible Lighting
- Over-illumination and Poor Design: Residents report extreme brightness affecting sleep and home comfort, particularly due to light trespass and poor illumination distribution.
- Lack of Lighting Design Expertise: The city installed lights without design input, relying instead on 2016–2017 specifications.
- Environmental Impact: Norfolk maintains a sizable coastline. Norfolk’s ecosystems—including amphibians and migratory birds—are at risk from high blue light spectral content (CCT above 2700K).
- Public Health Risks: High-CCT lighting is linked with circadian rhythm disruption and potentially serious health concerns like cancer, obesity, and Alzheimer’s disease.
- Safety Misconceptions: The group argues brighter does not mean safer; excessive glare can decrease visibility and increase hazards, contradicting the assumption that more light improves crime prevention.
Group Goals and Advocacy Strategy
- Granular Community Engagement: Over 40 civic presentations have been made to educate both residents and city officials.
- Key Lighting Requests:
- Use 2700K or lower CCT LEDs, with 2400K in sensitive coastal zones
- Prioritize Type II luminaires for focused light distribution
- Install effective shielding to prevent light trespass
- Adopt adaptive lighting controls for dynamic, task-specific lighting
- Cost-Effectiveness Argument: Their research shows these solutions can be implemented at no greater cost than existing plans, countering the notion that better lighting means higher spending.
Call for Updated Lighting Standards
The group asserts that Dominion Energy and city planners are using outdated lighting standards and ignoring advances in LED technology and smart controls. They argue for a comprehensive lighting design strategy that balances human health, public safety, and environmental protection.
2 responses to “Why It’s So Bright at Night.”
Hi, I just saw the article about the new LED lights in Norfolk. I’m in Chesapeake & got a very bright LED light which shines into the 2nd floor bedroom. Dominion told me that’s what the City of Chesapeake wants. I’d much rather have a option. It’s way too bright the way the light & my house are situated. Do you have some information you can share with me? Thanks
Hi there! I would recommend that you try to reach out to the folks in the Citizens for Responsible Lighting group in Norfolk for best next steps!