Opinion: Work across the aisle will protect Maine’s night sky

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • September 18, 2026

Maine’s night sky is one of those assets that sets our home apart from other places. That’s why we two very different legislators — a liberal Democrat and a conservative Republican — partnered this past session to advance a modest and practical new law to help ensure that our children will enjoy the same night skies that we love. The Maine Legislature enacted that law, effective this Oct. 1. The world is experiencing a biodiversity crisis, with 40% of animals and 34% of plants at risk of extinction. Unnecessary and overextended use of outdoor lighting will only continue to place ecosystems at risk if we don’t put protective measures in place. The new law requires government-owned and publicly funded facilities to follow those responsible practices for new or replacement lighting. ~ Sen. Stacey Guerin, R-Penobscot, and Rep. Laurie Osher, D-Orono