Skip to content
Navigating a New Political Landscape: View real-time updates about the impact of and Northeastern's response to recent political changes.
Apply
Stories

Philly’s new energy-saving LED streetlights may reduce crime and fatal crashes. But what about light pollution?

People in this story

Philadelphia Inquirer, February 2024

Philadelphia has embarked on its largest energy conservation initiative to date, aiming to replace all old streetlights with new LED ones. Since August, city crews have been methodically swapping out high-pressure sodium lights for LEDs, a move expected to significantly reduce energy costs and cut greenhouse gas emissions—equivalent to taking more than 2,000 cars off the road a year. While research suggests benefits such as reduced crime and enhanced traffic safety, concerns arise over the brighter, bluer light potentially being a nuisance, health hazard, or contributor to light pollution.

The Inquirer consulted with experts across fields to delve into the pros and cons of LED street lighting.

Continue reading at the Philadelphia Inquirer.

More Stories

Trump signing executive orders enacting Project 2025 plans.

Donald Trump shunned Project 2025 as a candidate, but is adopting its ideas in office

02.07.2025
A pile of pennies.

Trump says he has directed US Treasury to stop minting new pennies, citing rising cost

02.07.2025
A pile of pennies

Is the Penny Going Away? Trump Orders Halt on Production

02.10.25
All Stories