The Republic of Slovenia Passes First Light Pollution Law

Press Release

After more than twelve years striving to adopt suitable outdoor light  
regulation, the Republic of Slovenia adopted its first light  
pollution law on August 30, 2007. The new law is the result of  
successful coordination between Slovenia's Environment Ministry and  
the Government Office for Growth, among other departments, as well as  
lighting experts and environmentalists. It makes Slovenia one of the  
EU countries leading efforts at light regulation.

The new law requires the use of fully shielded luminaires, prohibits  
lighting above the horizontal for most types of fixtures, limits the  
direction of lighting into residential dwellings, requires reduction  
in the amount of energy used for public lighting, states that  
lighting should only be used where necessary and during the hours  
needed. Buildings considered a part of cultural heritage, including  
many churches, will be illuminated to a lesser extent.

Among expected benefits from the new law include an energy cost  
savings of up to 10 million Euros per year with a corresponding  
reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Among those working to make the law possible include Republic of  
Slovenia Environment Minister, Dr. Janez Podobnik; Republic of  
Slovenia Development Minister, Dr. ?iga Turk; Marko Hren from the  
Government Office for Growth; Du?an Janez Ga?nik and Radovan Tavzes  
MSc from the Republic of Slovenia Environment Ministry; members of  
the National Assembly Toma? ?tebe MSc and Samo Bevk; and Dark Sky  
Slovenia.