DESIGNATION AS DARK SKY PRESERVE

House Bill 4740 as introduced

Sponsor:  Rep. Aaron Miller

Committee:  Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation

Complete to 12-3-19

SUMMARY:

House Bill 4740 would amend Part 751 (Dark Sky Preserve) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA) to designate land located in Cass County as a dark sky preserve.

Specifically, the bill would add the county-owned land comprising Dr. T. K. Lawless Park, located in Porter and Newberg Townships.

Currently, there are six dark sky preserves in Michigan, all of which comprise state-owned land or state parks. The Natural Resources Commission (NRC) is required to ensure that outdoor lighting within dark sky preserves is not installed unless it is for safety, security, or the reasonable use and enjoyment of property within the preserve. The NRC must also ensure that outdoor lighting in the preserve does not unreasonably interfere with nighttime activities that require darkness and ensure that the lighting is directed downward; provided by fully shielded fixtures, if possible; and provided by fixtures activated by motion sensors and not constantly lighted, if practical and appropriate.

The bill would amend NREPA to restrict the responsibilities of the NRC described above to state-owned dark sky preserves. As applied, the NRC would not have authority over the proposed Cass County dark sky preserve.

MCL 324.75102, 324.75103, and 324.75104

FISCAL IMPACT:

House Bill 4740 is unlikely to affect costs or revenues for the Department of Natural Resources or local units of government.

                                                                                        Legislative Analyst:   Emily S. Smith

                                                                                                Fiscal Analyst:   Austin Scott

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.