Maine Passes Strictest Light Pollution Law In The US

Maine’s LD 1934 is new lighting legislation that is the strictest light pollution state requirements in the country. On January 7, 2026, Maine’s Governor Mills announced she would allow the vast majority of held bills from 2025 (52 out of 61) to become law without her signature. LD 1934 has officially become law.

Effective Date

Because LD 1934 was enacted in the 2026 session, it will take effect 90 days after the adjournment of this current session. The statutory adjournment date for this session is April 15, 2026, placing the general effective date in mid-July 2026.

Significance of Maine LD 1934

This new law is the most comprehensive and technically detailed state-level light pollution law in the United States.

Environmental & Ecological Protection

• Wildlife Preservation: The law mitigates the disruption of biological rhythms for nocturnal animals, migratory birds, and insects caused by artificial light.
• Wilderness Safeguards: It establishes a strict 0.1 lux limit on light “trespass” into state or federally designated wilderness and natural areas—a level of precision rarely seen in state-wide legislation.

Economic & Energy Impact

• Reducing Waste: By requiring fully shielded fixtures and extinguishing nonessential lights (e.g., landscape and facade lighting) during nighttime hours, the law aims to lower municipal energy costs and carbon emissions.
• Astro-Tourism: Supporters, including the Maine Audubon, argue that protecting Maine’s famously dark skies supports a growing “dark sky economy” by attracting visitors interested in stargazing and unspoiled nature.

Public Safety & Health

• Improved Visibility: The law caps color temperature at 3,000 Kelvins (warm CCT) to reduce glare, which can actually improve nighttime visibility for drivers and pedestrians compared to more glaring high CCT lights.
• Circadian Health: Reducing high-CCT artificial light helps preserve human circadian rhythms, which are often adversely impacted by nighttime light exposure.

Regulatory Leadership

• Mandatory Local Action: Unlike many states that only offer “guidance,” LD 1934 requires all municipalities to adopt local ordinances by December 31, 2028, to promote these standards.
• National Model: By formally adopting ANSI/IES lighting standards into law, Maine provides a regulatory framework that other states may follow.

More information is available here.

David Shiller

David Shiller is the Publisher of LightNOW, and President of Lighting Solution Development, a North American consulting firm providing business development services to advanced lighting manufacturers. The ALA awarded David the Pillar of the Industry Award. David has co-chaired ALA’s Engineering Committee since 2010. David established MaxLite’s OEM component sales into a multi-million dollar division. He invented GU24 lamps while leading ENERGY STAR lighting programs for the US EPA. David has been published in leading lighting publications, including LD+A, enLIGHTenment Magazine, LEDs Magazine, and more.

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