I thought the link to health risks in light polluted environments was related to sleep issues. Your immune system being compromised by poorer sleep. It think the International Dark Sky Association has some info on this, as I recall they do stress it as only a possibility.

The Tax Savings to government seems to be most compelling argument to me, state and city politicians I have talked to seem unimpressed by this. So much for their desire to save on taxes. Erik,  One key point that I did not hear in the broadcast was the American

Medical Association's recent resolution asserting a possible increased risk for cancer and living in light polluted environments.  If hypothesis is right - that changes the whole ballgame. - Kurt

P.S. - My July 14 post here on that topic with supporting citations

============I don't recall if Patrick covered this in the news, but last month the American Medical Association passed a resolution "Advocating and Support for Light Pollution Control Efforts and Glare Reduction for Both Public Safety and Energy Savings".  The pertinent medical and safety justifications for the AMA's position is quoted below.  (The footnotes do not appear to match up with their propositions, but citations to the all supporting evidence seems to be there. See the link to the full resolution.)  With a "lead-stream" group like the AMA taking a stand, tt's a good sign on the LP issue front.  Clear skies - Kurt U.S. Physicians Join Light-Pollution Fight http://www.skyandtelescope.com/news/48814012.html AMA Resolution 2009-516 http://www.ama-assn.org/ama1/pub/upload/mm/475/refcome.pdf

"Whereas, Streetlight glare causes decreased nighttime visibility by pupil constriction, and thus leads to diminished nighttime visibility and creates a safety hazard 1,2,3,4,5,6,7; and Whereas, Many older citizens are significantly affected by glare as the eye ages, leading to unsafe driving conditionsn 8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15; and . . . . Whereas, Light trespass has been implicated in disruption of the human and animal circadian rhythm, and strongly suspected as an etiology of suppressed melatonin production, depressed immune systems, and increase in cancer rates such as breast cancers 16,17,18,19,20,21,22; . . ." ==========

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