On October 23, 2024, two significant bills were introduced aimed at protecting New York City’s bird population. These initiatives are part of a legislative package known as “Flaco’s Laws,” named after Flaco the owl, who died after flying into a building window following his escape from the Central Park Zoo in 2023.

Details of the New Bills

The newly introduced Intro 1073 mandates that existing buildings in all five boroughs replace reflective glass windows with bird-friendly materials. This requirement applies to buildings classified as business, mercantile, or residential under the city Building Code, with alterations completed by January 2030. The bill aims to reduce bird fatalities caused by collisions with glass structures, which currently account for an estimated 90,000 to 230,000 bird deaths annually in New York City.

In conjunction with Intro 1073, Intro 0896 seeks to limit nighttime illumination from buildings to combat light pollution. Activists argue that excessive artificial light disorients birds during migration and increases collision risks. Kathy Nizzari, founder of the Lights Out Coalition, emphasized that reducing light pollution not only aids wildlife but also conserves energy and mitigates climate change impacts.

Key impacts of Intro 0896 on existing buildings include:

• Reduced nighttime illumination: Buildings will need to decrease their overall light output during nighttime hours.
• Potential retrofitting: Some buildings may need to install new lighting systems or modify existing ones to comply with the law’s requirements.
• Installation of light control measures: Buildings might need to implement shields that aim light downward and timers that automatically turn off lights at specified hours.
• Changes to exterior lighting: The law may affect lighting on building facades and flood lights.
• Potential energy savings: By reducing nighttime illumination, buildings may see a decrease in energy consumption and associated costs.

The Broader Impact

The introduction of Flaco’s Laws is part of a broader movement to enhance urban wildlife protection in New York City. Advocacy groups like NYC Bird Alliance have been pushing for comprehensive legislation that addresses both bird safety and humane pest control methods, such as sterilization methods in place of rodenticides that harm birds of prey. The proposed laws not only aim to protect avian species but also align with sustainability goals by reducing energy consumption associated with excessive lighting.

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David Shiller

David Shiller is the Publisher of LightNOW, and President of Lighting Solution Development, a North American consulting firm providing business development services to advanced lighting manufacturers. The ALA awarded David the Pillar of the Industry Award. David has co-chaired ALA’s Engineering Committee since 2010. David established MaxLite’s OEM component sales into a multi-million dollar division. He invented GU24 lamps while leading ENERGY STAR lighting programs for the US EPA. David has been published in leading lighting publications, including LD+A, enLIGHTenment Magazine, LEDs Magazine, and more.

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