Virgin citizens are overwhelmingly concerned about dark skies. According to the International Dark- Sky Association, a dark sky ordinance means that lights:
- Only be on when needed
- Only light the area that needs it
- Be no brighter than necessary
- Minimize blue light emissions (blue light brightens the night sky more than any other color of light)
- Be fully shielded (pointing downward)
Helper, Utah and Torrey, Utah have dark sky ordinances. Helper and Torrey are the only towns in Utah that are Cerified IDA International Dark Sky Communities. Unfortunately, Virgin ordinances do not support dark skies. Over the last four years the town has weakened the lighting code. Furthermore, the town does not enforce the minimal code that they currently have. I support dark skies. I will introduce an ordinance to amend the lighting ordinances to promote dark skies and move Virgin toward night skies that are more in line with other Utah dark sky towns rather than bright light cities.
(UPDATE- March 3, 2022)
At the February Town Council meeting, I made a substitute motion to delay passing the lighting ordinance amendments to definitions until the town considers a resolution for Virgin to apply for an International Dark Skies Place certification. Unfortunately, the motion died for a lack of a second. But it did start the discussion of Virgin moving to dark skies.