New Czech Republic National Law
Prohibits Light Pollution

TUCSON, ARIZONA;The Czech Republic recently became the first country to enact national legislation with provisions aimed at eliminating light pollution.

This new law was announced today at the annual confernce of the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) in Tucson, Arizona. Known as the "Protection of the Atmosphere Act," the bill passed both houses of parliament (Chamber of Deputies and Senate) and was signed into law by President Vaclav Havel on February 27, 2002. It takes effect June 1, 2002, and addresses light and other kinds of air pollution.

The law defines "light pollution" as "every form of illumination by artificial light which is dispersed outside the areas it is dedicated to, particularly if directed above the level of the horizon." Under the law, Czech Republic citizens and organizations are obligated to "take measures to prevent the occurrence of light pollution of the air."