S.Res. 701

[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''.

_______________________________________________________________________

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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