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SANTA FE, N.M., Sept. 2, 2026—With longer September nights come more opportunities for stargazing and tracking the Milky Way across Santa Fe County’s dark night skies, and Santa Fe County Board of County Commissioners plans to keep it that way, with the recent passing of a night skies resolution to update lighting codes. 

In their Aug. 11 regular meeting, the Board acknowledged County staff’s expertise in evaluating outdoor lighting ordinances through the lens of dark sky preservation and the five principles for responsible outdoor lighting. Moving forward, staff will evaluate existing outdoor lighting standards, policies, and practices and develop recommendations to reduce light pollution. Revisiting current guidelines allows the County to keep pace with evolving technologies, and any updates will integrate clearer, simpler standards directly into the Sustainable Growth Management Plan and Sustainable Land Development Code.

Additionally, staff will evaluate how to support dark sky best practices in the Home Rehabilitation and Energy Efficiency (HREE) program, which provides grants to qualified households for specific home rehabilitation projects and energy efficiency upgrades.

The resolution affirms the Board’s support for responsible outdoor lighting practices to reduce light pollution while maintaining public safety and security.

"The night sky is part of our shared heritage. This resolution demonstrates Santa Fe County's commitment to protecting an irreplaceable resource through common-sense lighting practices that benefit our communities, our environment, and generations to come," said Commissioner, District 4, Adam F. Johnson, who introduced the resolution with Commissioner, District 5, Hank Hughes.

With the resolution, commissioners encourage collaboration and inclusivity. Staff will identify and recommend parks and other areas of Santa Fe County where night skies can be viewed by all communities.

Over recent decades, artificial night lighting has surged, creating light pollution that hides the stars, harms human health, wastes energy, and disturbs wildlife. Santa Fe County is famous for its dark skies and natural beauty, and dark skies support our rural character, high quality of life, local tourism economy, astronomy, outdoor recreation, and scientific research. That’s why it’s more important than ever to continue prioritizing dark sky preservation.

“Dark skies at night are so important to our community. Santa Fe County is one of the few places where you can look up and see the Milky Way, reminding us of a starry legacy that connects our past, present, and future,” said Commissioner, D5, Hughes.

September is a great month to view the Milky Way in Santa Fe County, because its bright galactic core is visible in the southwest beginning at dusk and setting around 11 p.m. You may thank your lucky stars for the opportunity to witness it, but it’s no accident in modern times. With the growing prevalence of light pollution, communities must be intentional about protecting night skies, and Santa Fe County is making sure this remains a priority.

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