The city of Boulder City in Nevada has taken a significant step towards sustainable recreation and tourism by initiating the Boulder City Dark Skies Project. The project, which aims to retrofit every municipal light with energy-efficient, light-pollution-reducing fixtures, has received a $1.9 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Authority (EDA). The grant was announced on September 20, 2022, and the project will commence in 2023.
Boulder City Dark Skies Project
Energy savings and environmental benefits
The new dimmable, eco-friendly light fixtures will provide substantial energy cost savings for Boulder City and help curb harmful greenhouse gas emissions. The fixtures will protect natural ecosystems and native wildlife from the critical impacts of light pollution, promoting sustainable dark sky recreation and tourism opportunities for families and visitors. While residents are encouraged to participate in the project, it is not a requirement.
Pursuing Dark Skies Community Certification
The lighting retrofit project is essential in Boulder City’s efforts to achieve Dark Skies Community Certification from the International Dark Skies Association (IDA). If approved, Boulder City would become one of Nevada’s first designated communities. City Council Member James H. Adams, who proposed the project to the council, expressed his happiness at the grant award, highlighting its potential to improve the community’s health and safety while benefiting local businesses.
City Manager Taylour Tedder also acknowledged the importance of the EDA investment, stating that “It moves the city closer to becoming a certified dark sky community and preserving the quality of life of our community and the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.” U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, Senator Jacky Rosen, and the State of Nevada have shown their support for the project.
Support from the Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation
“The Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation is excited to support the innovative project, which will reduce light pollution and greenhouse gas emissions while offering stellar opportunities for families and visitors to enjoy Boulder City under the stars,” said Colin Robertson, Administrator of the Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation. He acknowledged the partners’ contribution in securing the funds and supporting sustainable outdoor recreation and tourism in Nevada. The partners include the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, the National Park Service, and various outdoor recreation small businesses.
Preserving Boulder City’s natural resources for future generations
The Boulder City Dark Skies Project demonstrates the city’s commitment to preserving its natural and cultural value. It aims to ensure that the unique qualities of Boulder City, such as its starry night skies, are enjoyed and protected for generations.
##RVT1098b
Diane: first line error. The city of Boulder in Nevada? Boulder is in Colorado. Should be the city of ‘Boulder City’ in Nevada. Carson City is not Carson for short either. Have a great day. I’m the rong guy two correct anything BTW and eye no it.
OK, fine, Cancelproof. I paused when I proofed that post, but that’s the way Randall wrote it and he’s much smarter than I am so I left it. I looked up Boulder City and here’s what they say on their homepage: “The City of Boulder City…” So, I compromised and put “The city of Boulder City in Nevada …” 😉 Thanks. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane
It’s like Atlantic City. It’s the name. One would never say the City of Atlantic in New Jersey, or the City of Sioux in Iowa. Have a great day. ✌️
It sounds like a great idea, but Boulder City is just over the hill from Las Vegas, and is never going to qualify as a dark sky community with a trillion lights glowing 5 miles away!
Considering you can see the glow of Vegas from Pahrump, 60 miles and a mountain range away, you may be onto something. This could just be a virtue signal tho. Spend a pile of money and change the bulbs, then pound your chest with pride because even though it is not darker, at least you tried and in the end, participation trophies are what counts. Succesful Result? …. way over-rated.
What a wonderful idea. We stayed at a house on Oak Island in North Carolina in January. The city is replacing old street lights with horribly bright LED bulbs. We had to hang blankets over the windows to sleep. Then we came home and found out our little town is doing the same thing! They installed LED bulbs in almost every street light. We can see EVERYTHING at night except the stars. I think Boulder City has a much better plan.
I hope more cities, municipalities, will follow suit. I really hope campgrounds and RV Parks will take notice. Recently light noise has become a huge problem (IMHO).