The Government of the Republic of Slovenia Passes a Light Pollution Law

On the 30th of August, 2007, the Republic of Slovenia adopted a Light Pollution Law. Over the past 15 years Slovenia has seen a rapid increase in light pollution, and environmental organisations have been striving for the adoption of a suitable Law for over 12 years.

The new Law will have numerous positive impacts. It prohibits lighting above the horizon for most luminaries - the main cause of light pollution. Shielded lights also produce less glare, improving road safety and increasing visibility.

The Law demands the reduction of the amount of energy used for public lighting, which means that municipalities will have to increase their energy efficiency. Lighting should only be used where necessary and during the hours it is needed. In the middle of the night, when there is no traffic, lighting levels can be reduced. Buildings considered a part of cultural heritage, including many churches, will be illuminated to a lesser extent.

The Law will contribute to the preservation of biodiversity (one of the essential aims of the EU) through its positive impact on numerous nocturnal animal species, with insects and bats being among the most endangered.

Slovenia has a population of two million and it is expected that in ten years time, when lighting will have been entirely adjusted to meet legal requirements, up to €10 million worth of energy will have been saved. Accordingly, the levels of greenhouse gas emissions will fall accordingly.

Today, the vast majority of Slovene citizens are unable to see the Milky Way, the city of stars in which we live. The new Law will enable the preservation of the night sky, encouraging both respect and wonderment of the rest of our Universe.

The Law is a result of complex yet successful coordination between the Environment Ministry of the Republic of Slovenia with the Government Office for Growth, numerous government departments, lighting experts and nature protectionists. It represents an important contribution to the quality of life at night, and will have a positive effect on the preservation of the environment and nature. The adoption of this Law makes Slovenia one of the leading EU countries and can be a model for numerous countries that have not yet legally regulated this field.

For more details, please contact andrej.mohartp.lj.si