A new Kentucky law that took effect July 15 is drawing attention to the growing problem of light pollution, an issue increasingly recognized for its impacts on agriculture, wildlife, energy use, human health, and night skies.
The law requires the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to prevent state highway lighting from spilling onto agricultural land. Any new highway light that would shine onto farmland must be equipped with shielding to keep light from spilling onto nearby fields.
The law applies only to outdoor lighting installed and maintained by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, not to local streetlights or privately owned outdoor lighting. As a practical matter, most Kentuckians are unlikely to notice changes in neighborhood streetlights because those are generally owned and maintained by local governments or utilities rather than the state. Instead, the law is expected to affect primarily larger highway lighting, particularly along interstates.
Owners of farmland also may file a written complaint to the Transportation Cabinet if an existing state highway light spills onto their property, and the cabinet is expected to address the problem within 30 days.
The new law was created through House Bill 571, sponsored by Rep. Kim Holloway, R-Mayfield, during the General Assembly’s 2026 legislative session.
The legislation recognizes that crops depend on natural cycles of daylight and darkness. Excessive artificial light at night can disrupt those cycles, particularly for soybeans, while also affecting pollinators and other wildlife.
This new law reflects a broader trend. A few years ago, light pollution was a topic most people associated with astronomers. Today, it’s increasingly recognized as an issue that affects agriculture, wildlife, energy use, human health, and everyday life.
As awareness grows, communities are adopting smarter outdoor lighting that reduces glare, saves energy, and better protects the nighttime environment.
Unlike many environmental problems, light pollution is one of the easiest to solve. Properly shielding lights, directing them only where they are needed, and eliminating unnecessary lighting can reduce light pollution immediately.
“Everyone deserves the chance to look up and see a sky full of stars, not just a few scattered lights,” said Kelly Davenport, who led the effort to establish DarkSky Kentucky. “When people experience a truly dark sky, it creates a sense of awe and connection that stays with them and inspires them to protect it.”
DarkSky Kentucky is the Kentucky chapter of DarkSky International. The global organization is dedicated to protecting the nighttime environment and restoring access to dark skies through responsible outdoor lighting. The Kentucky chapter works to educate the public about light pollution, promote practical lighting solutions, and preserve Kentucky’s night skies for future generations.
DarkSky Kentucky