135
fixtures, and we have succeeded in persuading some of these firms expressly to
redesign new non-contaminating screen models.
Little by little we have managed to persuade the authorities and the general
public of La Palma of the benefits of this innovative law, which has shown a
measurable result in terms of economic markers. And attitudes have changed
from viewing night-sky protection as a burden to considering it a privilege
that adds a distinctive note to the island. At the commemoration of the thirtieth anniversary of the Sky Law, the Mayoress of Llanos de Aridane said, ‘We
must be the communication channel broadcasting the necessity of protecting
this treasure of our land. We must make good use of, exploit, protect, and
cherish it.’
The main obstacle has always been keeping external lighting within the
regulations. When funding an illumination project, the town halls, whether
by custom or through vested interests, do not always monitor the correct
application of the regulations, especially where new lighting projects are concerned. This, combined with pressure from vendors, has meant that the
OTPC has always had to issue official reports. But, because the Sky Law does
not incorporate any coercive measures, it is the local authorities in charge of
electrical and environmental matters that must impose any fines. And since
the fines always arrive late—or never—the deterioration of sky quality is
beginning to become a serious issue in certain zones.
Similarly, the introduction of LED lighting, which is harmful to the health
of both humans and local fauna, is undermining the application of the Sky
Law. This is another front that the OTPC is having to cover with its meagre
resources. For its part, the IAC has been promoting the adjustment of the
current legislation to address the problem of these new lamps in order not
only to avoid the serious impact of blue LEDs on the environment but also to
regulate the use of LED sources in the ambit of the application of the Sky
Law. The procedure was initiated in 2015, but Royal Decree 580/2017,
enabling the new regulations, was not published in the Official State Bulletin
until 12 June 2017. It is now to be expected that the Canarian Government
will be rigorous and swift in its application.
Unfortunately, we find ourselves immersed in the intricate world of laws
and regulations, in which regulations of the European Union, the state, the
corresponding autonomous community, the municipalities, etc., intertwine
and overlap. A case now occupying us is just one example more of the tangle
that binds and asphyxiates us. To our Sky Law (Law 31/1988 of 31 October
and Royal Decree 243/1992 of 13 March which regulates it) must be added a
number of other pieces of legislation. These include: Law 37/2007 concerning
air quality and protection of the atmosphere, and Royal Decree 1890/2008
14 The Sky Law (1978–2017)
fixtures, and we have succeeded in persuading some of these firms expressly to
redesign new non-contaminating screen models.
Little by little we have managed to persuade the authorities and the general
public of La Palma of the benefits of this innovative law, which has shown a
measurable result in terms of economic markers. And attitudes have changed
from viewing night-sky protection as a burden to considering it a privilege
that adds a distinctive note to the island. At the commemoration of the thirtieth anniversary of the Sky Law, the Mayoress of Llanos de Aridane said, ‘We
must be the communication channel broadcasting the necessity of protecting
this treasure of our land. We must make good use of, exploit, protect, and
cherish it.’
The main obstacle has always been keeping external lighting within the
regulations. When funding an illumination project, the town halls, whether
by custom or through vested interests, do not always monitor the correct
application of the regulations, especially where new lighting projects are concerned. This, combined with pressure from vendors, has meant that the
OTPC has always had to issue official reports. But, because the Sky Law does
not incorporate any coercive measures, it is the local authorities in charge of
electrical and environmental matters that must impose any fines. And since
the fines always arrive late—or never—the deterioration of sky quality is
beginning to become a serious issue in certain zones.
Similarly, the introduction of LED lighting, which is harmful to the health
of both humans and local fauna, is undermining the application of the Sky
Law. This is another front that the OTPC is having to cover with its meagre
resources. For its part, the IAC has been promoting the adjustment of the
current legislation to address the problem of these new lamps in order not
only to avoid the serious impact of blue LEDs on the environment but also to
regulate the use of LED sources in the ambit of the application of the Sky
Law. The procedure was initiated in 2015, but Royal Decree 580/2017,
enabling the new regulations, was not published in the Official State Bulletin
until 12 June 2017. It is now to be expected that the Canarian Government
will be rigorous and swift in its application.
Unfortunately, we find ourselves immersed in the intricate world of laws
and regulations, in which regulations of the European Union, the state, the
corresponding autonomous community, the municipalities, etc., intertwine
and overlap. A case now occupying us is just one example more of the tangle
that binds and asphyxiates us. To our Sky Law (Law 31/1988 of 31 October
and Royal Decree 243/1992 of 13 March which regulates it) must be added a
number of other pieces of legislation. These include: Law 37/2007 concerning
air quality and protection of the atmosphere, and Royal Decree 1890/2008
14 The Sky Law (1978–2017)