Greenies Dim Bright Lights in Big City

Big city's bright lights must dim, many say
By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 2, 2008 12:54 PM CST
Greenies Dim Bright Lights in Big City
In the 1950s, lights didn't dim, and illuminating empty floors at night was a way for builders to show off their creations. Half a century later, the focus is shifting to conservation.   (Getty Images)

A dimmer switch looms over Manhattan's bright nighttime skyline, as concerns over conservation and energy costs have prompted skyscraper owners to abandon the practice of blazing all lights at all hours. New York scores a 9 out of 9 on a light pollution scale, and legislators are considering official incentives to install motion detectors and efficient bulbs, the Times reports.

“The tall tower with the illuminated floors on all night long is probably a thing of the past,” said one lighting expert. “You’re not relying on the glowing floors to have the building presence. It is relying on the crown of light.” (More New York City stories.)

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