Crawford, an astronomer at the Kitt Peak Observatory, got involved in the issue when light from neighboring Tucson threatened to ruin the skies above the observatory. He has since realized that the problem extends well beyond astronomy. We've put people into cities where we have turned night into day. I'm convinced it's a major problem. Jack Sales, who has been leading the effort to reduce light pollution in his hometown of Sacramento, made the same point to me.
Bad light makes a place look trashy, like a prison.
It's really a problem with gas stations when you leave and suddenly hit a dark spot. But Crawford contends such lights actually reduce security by creating dark shadows where people can hide. And the glare makes it more difficult for homeowners, neighbors and passersby to see. Crawford and other dark-sky proponents aren't opposed to nighttime lighting. They advocate smart lighting.