Editor,

We are writing in regard to the upcoming advisory vote on the kind of street lights to use in Langley. We urge the citizens of Langley to support the environment, human health and preservation of the night sky by voting for the 3000-Kelvin LED street lights.

We also are writing to suggest that citizen concerns regarding the conversion may be best addressed by shielding the city’s street lights so the light points down.

The conversion to LED street lighting makes environmental and economic sense. The city estimates the economic savings at $3,000 a year. The environmental benefits of using less energy are equally clear.

However, if not done right, the conversion could prove more harmful than beneficial. Excessive lighting harms human health and the environment, to say nothing of blotting out our view of the wondrous night sky.

There are two keys to making lights useful without harming the environment or our own health.

First, as recommended by the American Medical Association and the International Dark Sky Association, limit new LED street lighting to 3000-Kelvin or less. Above 3,000K, lights move into the blue/white spectrum that disturbs animal behavior patterns, particularly of nocturnal creatures, and harms human health, most dramatically by increased breast and prostate cancers.

Second, prevent excessive lighting by shielding lights so they point down. This protects against light pollution and improves visibility. Unshielded lights that shoot outward and upward cause unwanted glare that actually reduces visibility and unnecessarily disturbs nearby residents.

Langley’s advisory vote is of course limited to Langley citizens. However, the decision will impact all South Whidbey. Light pollution doesn’t have borders.

JOE QUINTANA and JOANN HAMICK-QUINTANA

Useless Bay Colony