South Carolina S 339: South Carolina Lights Out program

Bill Text

2025-2026 Bill 339 Text of Previous Version (Feb. 19, 2025) - South Carolina Legislature Online 

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026

Bill 339

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)

Recalled

February 19, 2025

S. 339

Introduced 
by Senators Campsen and Sutton 

S. Printed 2/19/25--S.

Read the first time February 12, 2025

________

A senate RESOLUTION

to declare the nights of march through may and 
august through october as "lights out nights in South Carolina season" and to 
urge south carolina residents to turn out non-essential lights at night during 
these critical periods in the spring and fall for the protection of birds in 
south carolina.

Whereas, every spring 
and fall, millions of birds travel through the coastal areas on their migration 
and millions stop to refuel in the maritime forests, marshes, and greenspaces 
of South Carolina; and

Whereas, eighty percent 
of migratory songbirds travel at night to avoid daytime predators and to use 
celestial cues for navigation; and

Whereas, migrating 
birds are affected by light pollution as it disorients them, making them 
vulnerable to collisions with buildings and structures; and

Whereas, sixty percent 
of birds that strike buildings and structures at night die as a result, 
including those that appear to recover and fly away but days later succumb to 
their injuries; and

Whereas, research has 
shown that eliminating non-essential interior and exterior lighting between 
eleven in the evening and dawn can prevent collisions; and

Whereas, South Carolina 
is a State known for its natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and commitment to 
conservation, with many communities recognizing the importance of protecting 
birds and wildlife; and

Whereas, rapid 
population growth and development across South Carolina have contributed to 
increased light pollution, making it imperative to adopt responsible lighting 
practices; and

Whereas, Audubon South 
Carolina and the affiliated chapters of the South Carolina Audubon Society 
support Lights Out programming that encourages state, municipal, residential, 
and commercial building owners, operators, managers, and tenants to turn off, 
dim, or redirect excess lighting during the spring and fall migration periods 
to provide safe passage for birds; and

Whereas, reducing light 
pollution benefits mental and physical health in humans, benefits insect 
populations that are in decline, and facilitates stargazing. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, declare the nights 
of March through May and August through October as "Lights Out Nights in South 
Carolina Season" and urge South Carolina residents to turn out non-essential 
lights at night during these critical periods in the spring and fall for the 
protection of birds in South Carolina.

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This web page was last updated on February 19, 2025 at 05:48 PM