Dark Sky Video Series Helps Taos Locals Make Informed Ordinance Updates

For nearly 20 years, Taos County has had dark sky ordinances that reduce light pollution and preserve the beauty of the night sky. Recently, dark sky advocates and astronomers have begun calling for updates to the ordinances to account for technological advances and the significant rise in local development. However, many area residents do not understand what the changes would mean for their households and businesses. So team members from True Kids 1 and STEMArts Lab reached out to LOR with an idea: work with student film crews to create a series of short educational films that clearly explain the impacts of the proposed changes to the dark skies ordinance (without taking a position on the issue) so that Taos locals can make informed decisions as questions about these initiatives arise.

LOR’s funding will cover stipends for nine student filmmakers, pay for video production, editing, and classroom instruction, and subsidize the cost of supplies, including food and drinks, for all planning and stakeholder meetings.