A resolution designating the week of April 20 through 26, 2026, as "National Dark Sky Week".
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 701
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Environmental Protection
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-29: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2109; text: CR S2134-2135)
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-06T15:34:57Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 701) designates the week of April 20 through 26, 2026, as National Dark Sky Week to raise awareness about the importance of preserving dark night skies, combating light pollution from artificial lights, and promoting related benefits like stargazing, wildlife protection, energy savings, and science education.
Key Provisions
- Designation: Officially names the specified week as "National Dark Sky Week."
- Federal encouragement: Urges federal agencies to work together to create more opportunities for safe stargazing and dark sky experiences that benefit local communities and the public.
- Awareness campaigns: Encourages communities, educators, scientists, and local governments to highlight the value of dark skies.
- Behavioral changes: Promotes responsible outdoor lighting practices by individuals and organizations, such as shielding lights, pointing them downward, and reducing unnecessary brightness.
- Background rationale: Supported by "Whereas" clauses noting benefits like tourism, cultural heritage, ecosystem health, energy savings, and the risks of light pollution.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
None. This is a non-binding resolution expressing the Senate's sense; it does not create enforceable laws, amend statutes, or allocate funds.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: Minimal direct effect; encourages coordination among federal bodies (e.g., national parks) but imposes no mandates.
- Citizens and communities: May boost public education, outdoor recreation, dark sky tourism, and local economies in rural or park areas; promotes voluntary energy savings and wildlife protection.
- International relations: None mentioned or implied.
- Overall: Symbolic promotion of environmental awareness with indirect benefits for science education and reduced light pollution.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal agencies (e.g., those managing parks and lands).
- Local communities, rural areas, and national parks (tourism and economic opportunities).
- Educators, scientists, and students (astronomy and STEM programs).
- Wildlife and ecosystems (protection from light disruption).
- Individuals and organizations (encouraged to change lighting habits).
- Tourism operators near observatories or dark sites.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Purely symbolic and non-enforceable; no new rights, obligations, or penalties.
- Constitutional: No issues; falls under Congress's power to express opinions via resolutions.
- Political: Bipartisan support (sponsors include Democrats and Republicans); highlights shared environmental and educational priorities without controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV]
Cosponsors (3)
Sen. Curtis, John R. [R-UT], Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV], Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ]
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-29: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2109; text: CR S2134-2135)
- 2026-04-29: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
Bill Versions
- Designating the week of April 20 through 26, 2026, as National Dark Sky Week. — issued 2026-04-29 — PDF (3 pages)