Update: A bipartisan bill in the Massachusetts legislature (cosponsored by our Senator Bruce Tarr) would prohibit streetlights above 3000K, so it makes no sense to even include 4000K in a pilot test.
At the Rockport Library on 14 March 2026, experts and advocates presented Light Right at Night – information about dark-sky considerations for streetlights and other exterior lighting.
Bottom line: strong recommendations for 2200K streetlights
“…3000K is a Hobson’s choice. Don’t go there. 2200K will give you what you have now, the same color, unless you want downtown Rockport to look like the parking lot of a K-Mart…”
Footnote about Historical Lighting in Rockport
| Era | Primary Fuel Source | Estimated CCT |
|---|---|---|
| 1770s – 1840s | Whale Oil (Spermaceti) | 1800 K – 1900 K |
| 1830s – 1860s | Burning Fluid (Camphene) | 2000 K – 2100 K |
| 1860s – 1880s | Kerosene | 2100 K – 2200 K |
| 1870s – 1890s | Naphtha | 2000 K – 2400 K |
2200K LEDs would best match the existing and historical streetlights.
The forum was recorded but the video started late and had poor sound quality. The presenters recreated their presentations in the video below.
For more information about light pollution, visit DarkSky International at darksky.org.