DarkSky International has awarded the DarkSky Certification to three Franklin Mountain Energy (FME) sites in Lea County, New Mexico. These are the first oil and gas sites globally to receive this recognition, which highlights FME's commitment to maintaining the nighttime environment through responsible lighting practices. The collaboration involved FME, DarkSky International, and the Dark for the Park Alliance.
FME implemented a multi-step process to achieve certification, ensuring safety while enhancing night sky visibility by using responsible lighting. Two sites were retrofitted, resulting in a 60% reduction in lighting energy consumption and a 99% reduction in skyglow. One site was certified as a new build.
“Safety for our workers is always our first priority,” said FME Co-Founder Audrey Robertson. “We also prioritize the environment and support night-sky friendly lighting practices. I am proud of our team for working on this project with DarkSky International and the Alliance to ensure the continued beauty found throughout the Permian Basin’s skies.”
The Dark for the Park Alliance comprises multiple organizations focused on promoting night sky quality in New Mexico's Permian and San Juan Basins. The Alliance has published guidance for industries on outdoor lighting practices that minimize upward light pollution.
“Promoting dark skies practices is a collaborative effort,” stated Ruskin Hartley, CEO of DarkSky International. “The Alliance’s public-private partnership shows the importance of teamwork to achieve the workable balance between operational safety and security and protecting night sky quality.”
Robertson emphasized that FME's collaboration with federal and state agencies creates a "win-win solution" by promoting responsible lighting while safeguarding starry skies.
For more information on lighting guides and certifications, visit:
- https://www.nmoga.org/darksky_lighting_guide
- https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nightskies/index.htm
- https://darksky.org/what-we-do/darksky-approved/
- https://mcdonaldobservatory.org/pages/lighting-recognition-program
