Oklahoma Senate Bill SCR22

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/22/26
• Engrossed: 4/23/26

Caption

Concurrent resolution; recognizing the impact of light pollution on bird mortality; encouraging Oklahomans to turn off exterior lights during the high migration intensity months.

Summary

SCR22 is a concurrent resolution recognizing that light pollution contributes to bird mortality during migration and encouraging Oklahoma businesses, state agencies, organizations, and residents to turn off exterior lighting during peak migration months: April, May, September, and October. The resolution frames the issue as part of the broader “Lights Out Oklahoma” campaign, which seeks to reduce bird collisions with buildings, glass, power lines, and vehicles by limiting nighttime artificial light. The resolution cites the ecological and economic value of birds in Oklahoma, including pest control, pollination, seed dispersal, and birdwatching tourism. It notes that Oklahoma lies within the central flyway and that many birds migrate at night using stars and moonlight, making them vulnerable to disorientation from bright artificial lighting and sky glow. It also emphasizes that reducing exterior lighting can save energy and money while helping protect migrating birds.

Impact

SCR22 does not change statutory law or create enforceable requirements; it is a nonbinding expression of legislative support and a public encouragement to reduce exterior lighting during migration periods. Its practical impact is to promote voluntary participation in bird-protection efforts by businesses, government entities, organizations, and residents, and to reinforce public awareness of bird mortality linked to light pollution. It may also support continued collaboration with conservation groups and the Lights Out Oklahoma campaign.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment reflected in the resolution is strongly supportive of bird conservation and favorable toward voluntary light-reduction measures. The bill text presents the issue as environmentally beneficial, economically sensible, and broadly positive for wildlife and the public. No committee debate or vote history is provided, and the available status indicates the measure was introduced, so there is no recorded opposition in the supplied materials.

Contention

Because SCR22 is a concurrent resolution urging voluntary action rather than imposing legal mandates, there is little apparent policy contention in the text itself. The main practical point that could generate disagreement is the request that exterior lights be turned off during specific months, which may be seen by some property owners or businesses as inconvenient or unnecessary. However, no recorded committee testimony, amendments, or votes are available here to show organized opposition or specific objections.