Episode 17: Darkness News Roundtable with Scott Wachter

In this episode of Restoring Darkness, Michael Colligan, Mark Baker, and Scott Wachter unpack the hidden dangers of light pollution, from LED-induced migraines to its role in societal chaos. They expose how the lighting industry’s shift from bulbs to LEDs dodged accountability, while personal responsibility narratives shield systemic failures. With the NHTSA banning flashing LED vehicle lights and lawsuits looming, the trio challenges the myth that brighter nights mean safer streets, revealing a world where light might just be the spark for unrest—and a call for industry reckoning grows louder.

Key Takeaways

1. Health Hazards Emerge: LEDs are linked to migraines, seizures, and chronic issues like cancer and sleep loss, a stark shift from the industry’s early focus on dark sky preservation.
2. Systemic vs. Personal: The narrative of “turn off your phone” dodges broader accountability—lighting firms, regulators, and utilities push personal fixes over systemic solutions, burdening the sensitive.
3. Industry Accountability: Extended producer responsibility could force manufacturers, distributors, and installers to curb light pollution, with legal parallels to glyphosate lawsuits targeting firms like Acuity Brands.
4. Safety Myth Debunked: Bright lights don’t deter crime universally—car break-ins and porch piracy thrive under illumination—while 5000K LEDs may escalate tension in riots, not calm it.
5. Energy Efficiency Fallacy: LED mandates prioritize lumens-per-watt over total energy use or human comfort, leaving utilities off the hook and society over-lit without real gains.