The bill would save millions of dollars in energy costs. Experience in other municipalities suggests that shielded instruments require no significant additional expenditure beyond the regular cost of replacing burned out units. In addition to reducing glare and improving night lighting, this bill will result in the reduction of tons of CO2 and other emissions, which are by-products of electricity production.

Council Member Gerson said, “This is not only an issue of energy conservation and saving taxpayer dollars; it is also a quality of life issue. These fixtures will reduce glare reaching into apartments and significantly cut down on CO2 emissions.”

Council Member John Liu, Chair of the Transportation Committee and a co-sponsor of the bill said, “This is a good way to save money and at the same time enhance safety for motorists and pedestrians.”

Gerson was joined by representatives from the New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG), the Sierra Club, the NYS International Dark Sky Association, the NYC Audubon Society and the Amateur Astronomers Association.

Josh Nachowitz, NYS Policy Director for The New York League of Conservation Voters which also supports the bill said, “Encouraging more efficient street and building lighting must be a critical component of ’s campaign to tackle the challenges of climate change and reduce its carbon footprint. Council Member Gerson’s package of legislation provides a number of common sense, cost effective solutions to this problem and is an important step forward in the global fight against climate change.”

"This proposal fits in perfectly with Mayor Bloombergs plan to reduce New York Citys energy consumption," said Laura Haight, NYPIRGs senior environmental associate. "What could be more wasteful or inefficient than shining light into the sky, rather than directing it to where it is needed?"

Susan Harder, Executive Director of NYS International Dark Sky Association said, “We deserve a well-lit City, and this bill will help set an important example by using 21st century technologies to reduce light pollution.”

Gerson also announced another environmental lighting bill being introduced at the stated Council meeting directly after the press conference: a law establishing performance design criteria for illuminated signs. This bill will make certain that billboards and other illuminated signs are lighted efficiently by requiring all light fixtures to shine at least 90% of their total light emissions toward the face of the sign and for new signs to be top shielded. Two more laws are awaiting introduction: one to require the installation of interior motion detectors for automatic light shut-off in all office buildings; and another anti-glare bill, which is in the drafting stage.