DarkSky’s statement on the recent Supreme Court ruling and protecting dark skies in the Big Bend region

The recent U.S. Supreme Court decision allowing border wall construction to resume in the Big Bend region raises serious concerns for one of North America’s darkest remaining night skies.

Big Bend National Park features one of North America’s most extraordinary landscapes, defined by towering canyons, ancient rivers, and some of the continent’s darkest night skies. Spanning the U.S.-Mexico border, this binational protected area forms the heart of the Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve, certified in 2022 following decades of work by scientists, land managers, and local communities.

DarkSky takes no position on border security policy, which falls outside our mission and expertise. Our concern is focused entirely on the nighttime environment. Naturally dark places should remain dark. Any large-scale infrastructure project that introduces unmitigated, bright lighting into a protected environment presents a direct threat to the natural ecosystem.

The recent ruling makes our core mission more urgent. Infrastructure development in certified dark sky places should not proceed without prior environmental impact assessments that include comprehensive lighting plans. In a landscape specifically set aside for its exceptional darkness, lighting cannot be an afterthought.

While the recent decision is a setback, our commitment remains firm. The night sky over Big Bend belongs to everyone. DarkSky is committed to partnering with all stakeholders—federal agencies, land managers, and local communities—to ensure it remains protected.