These recommended lighting practices are the result of a collaborative effort between the members of the Permian Basin Petroleum Association (PBPA), headquartered in Midland, Texas, and The University of Texas McDonald Observatory, located in Ft. Davis, Texas. The PBPA strongly supports the McDonald Observatory and the endeavors it strives to accomplish. Knowing that dark skies are vital to those endeavors, the PBPA and the McDonald Observatory offer the included recommendations to accomplish just that. These recommendations are targeted at operations in the Texas Counties of Brewster, Culberson, Hudspeth, Jeff Davis, Pecos, Presidio, and Reeves.

Since the drafting of these recommendations, TXOGA and API have each added their endorsement. Further, the Permian Basin Dark Skies Initiative, which the Lighting Recommendations support, was honored with the 2018 Bruno Hanson/Midland College Award for Environmental Excellence.

From all of us at the PBPA, the McDonald Observatory, and in particular from the members of the Dark Skies Initiative, thank you for following these recommendations, and for helping to keep the skies of West Texas dark! Download the full report by clicking the button below.