AGENCY TESTIMONY
Discussion of Intro 145: Street lighting color temperature limits
0:14:24
ยท
55 sec
Margaret Forgione addresses Intro 145, which proposes to limit the correlated color temperature of new and replacement street lamps to 3,000 Kelvin. She explains DOT's current practices and their stance on the proposed legislation.
- Clarifies that 3,000 Kelvin is already DOT's lighting standard based on engineering guidance
- Explains the difference between Kelvin (color temperature) and wattage (brightness)
- Expresses concern about legislating an engineering standard, preferring flexibility to adjust practices if standards change in the future
Margaret Forgione
0:14:24
1st, intro 145 sponsored by by chair Brooks Powers.
0:14:28
This bill would limit the correlated color temperature of new and replacement lamps installed to illuminate streets, highways, parks, or any other public space to 3,000 Kelvin.
0:14:40
3000 Kelvin is already DOT's lighting standard based on engineering guidance.
0:14:44
And so, we all understand what this means.
0:14:47
Kelvin refers to how warm or cool a light is, ranging from orange to white to blue.
0:14:52
This is different from wattage as wattage refers to how bright a light is.
0:14:57
All new or replacement lamps that the agency installs are 3,000 kelvin, unless the agency is complying with the intent of the bill.
0:15:04
However, it is critical that we are able to adjust our practices in the future if engineering standards change.
0:15:11
For this reason, we do not support legislating an engineering standard, but we would be happy to have further discussions with the council about this standard and our operations.