Permian Basin, the largest oil reserve in the world located in western Texas and southeastern New Mexico, was once known for its dark skies. However, as oil drilling has increased, the area has seen a significant rise in light pollution. This has raised concerns for workers and wildlife that rely on the absence of light.
To address this issue, Franklin Mountain Energy partnered with Dark Sky International to retrofit their sites and reduce light pollution. By implementing simple practices such as installing fixtures that keep lights down on the ground and using warmer-toned lights, they were able to reduce energy consumption by 60% and light scattering by 99%.
This initiative not only saved energy and money for Franklin Mountain Energy but also restored the night skies for places like the Carlsbad Caverns National Park. As a result, Franklin Mountain Energy became the first oil and gas site in the world to receive a ‘dark sky’ distinction.
By taking steps to protect and maintain the nighttime environment, Franklin Mountain Energy sets an example for other oil and gas sites to follow in reducing light pollution and preserving the natural beauty of the night skies.
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