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F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T
SPONSOR King
DATE TYPED 2/07/05
HB 371
SHORT TITLE Night Sky Protection
SB
ANALYST Aguilar
APPROPRIATION
Appropriation Contained Estimated Additional Impact Recurring
or Non-Rec
Fund
Affected
FY05
FY06
FY05
FY06
$80.0
Indeterminate Nonrecurring General Fund
(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)
SOURCES OF INFORMATION
LFC Files
Responses Received From
Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department
SUMMARY
Synopsis of Bill
House Bill 371 appropriates $80 thousand from the general fund to the Energy, Minerals and
Natural Resources Department for night sky and astronomy programs...
Significant Issues
Night sky programs are being implemented at state parks across the state. These programs not
only focus on protecting parks from light pollution, the also implement an important educational
component.
State Parks Division reports this appropriation would allow SPD to double its night sky pro-
gramming, to properly maintain and update its equipment, and to ensure all staff and volunteer
program presenters are properly trained. Program attendees would be more attuned to the night
sky as a valuable resource and more likely to help in night sky protection efforts – perhaps un-
dertaking some efforts voluntarily at their homes. This appropriation also would speed up reduc-
tion of light pollution in our parks, each of which could then demonstrate practical ways to re-
duce light pollution in communities around New Mexico.