In California, the exhaust fumes from cars and factories cause air pollution.

Near Alaska, fish float to the surface when oil tankers break open and pollute the waters.

In Ames, stargazers see an orange haze when businesses use high wattage lights and pollute the sky.

Light pollution may not be at the forefront of the upcoming Earth Day rallies, but it is a hot topic in Ames.

Some Ames residents are complaining that bright lights shining from businesses are blinding their view of the stars at night.

The complaints have gained so much attention that the Ames City Council will be considering rules to control the way businesses light their parking lots and buildings.

Not being able to see the stars in a city like New York City is not unusual. But for Ames residents, it shouldn’t be a problem for them to step outside on their back steps and point out a constellation.

Some business owners argue that they keep their bright lights on all night for security and marketing.

Security is a reason that should not be overlooked, but not many people are window shopping at 2 a.m.

Finding a solution to this problem may seem impossible, but there are many ways that stargazers and bright light business owners can co-exist.

One reasonable solution previously suggested is to install shields on businesses’ lights to prevent them from shooting into the sky.

Another solution would be for business owners who receive complaints from nearby residents to alter their lighting techniques.

Though it would be nice to see the stars from any place in the world, sometimes it’s just not possible.

People need to realize that there are going to be some areas in Ames where you will look up and see nothing but an orange haze.

However, in most cases, this place should not be in your backyard.

There should be no sympathy for stargazers who complain that they can’t see Taurus while standing in the middle of Hy-Vee Food Store’s parking lot.

In business districts, it should be expected that you won’t escape the haze that shields nature’s own twinkling lights.

So, should the City of Ames step in with rules regulating lighting?

Sure.

The more pollution that can be controlled the better.

We don’t want Ames to become a giant cesspool of blinding orange haze.