[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 701 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

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119th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 701

 Designating the week of April 20 through 26, 2026, as ``National Dark 
                              Sky Week''.


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                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             April 29, 2026

 Ms. Cortez Masto (for herself, Mr. Curtis, Ms. Rosen, and Mr. Kelly) 
 submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
 Designating the week of April 20 through 26, 2026, as ``National Dark 
                              Sky Week''.

Whereas the people of the United States are increasingly seeking opportunities 
        for outdoor recreation, stargazing, and unique nighttime experiences;
Whereas national parks, rural communities, and protected landscapes with dark 
        skies attract visitors interested in stargazing, recreation, and nature 
        tourism;
Whereas the night sky has significantly impacted cultural traditions and human 
        history;
Whereas the ability to observe the stars, planets, and other celestial bodies is 
        an important part of the shared natural heritage of all people and 
        should be preserved for future generations;
Whereas dark sky tourism provides economic opportunities for communities located 
        near parks, observatories, and open landscapes;
Whereas preserving dark skies supports scientific discovery, astronomic 
        research, and educational opportunities for students and communities;
Whereas astronomy education and public stargazing programs inspire interest in 
        science, technology, engineering, and mathematics;
Whereas artificial lighting can obscure visibility of the night sky and may 
        limit opportunities for the people of the United States to observe 
        stars, planets, and other celestial phenomena;
Whereas excessive artificial light can disrupt wildlife behavior and ecosystems;
Whereas many species rely on natural cycles of light and darkness to regulate 
        biological process and ecosystem balance;
Whereas reducing brightness at night can save energy, reduce consumption, and 
        lower costs;
Whereas artificial lighting has increased significantly in recent decades, 
        contributing to light pollution across the United States; and
Whereas efforts to reduce light pollution can be achieved through simple 
        measures such as shielding lights, directing lighting downward, and 
        limiting unnecessary illumination: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) designates the week of April 20 through 26, 2026, as 
        ``National Dark Sky Week'';
            (2) encourages Federal agencies to coordinate among 
        themselves to expand safe and informative dark skies 
        opportunities to support local communities and all people of 
        the United States;
            (3) encourages communities, educators, scientists, and 
        local governments to raise awareness of the value of preserving 
        dark skies; and
            (4) encourages individuals and organizations to adopt 
        responsible outdoor lighting practices that protect the natural 
        night sky.
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