Advocates for preserving dark skies worldwide are commending the efforts of an oil and natural gas developer in New Mexico for reducing light pollution. DarkSky International, a group dedicated to protecting views of starry skies, recently certified oil and natural gas sites for their efforts to minimize unwanted light pollution. Denver-based Franklin Mountain Energy received recognition for implementing lighting retrofits at two existing sites and one new location in southeastern New Mexico, a major oil production zone. These changes are expected to reduce skyglow in areas such as Carlsbad Caverns National Park, a popular spot for astronomy enthusiasts and night hikers.
Franklin Mountain Energy's cofounder highlighted that the lighting modifications will enhance safety for workers while also decreasing electricity consumption. The company collaborated with federal land and parks agencies, telescopic observatories, and the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association to implement recommendations such as directing light downward onto work areas and limiting upward light dispersion.
