DarkSky DC testified against the proposed 250-foot Triumphal Arch near Arlington National Cemetery during the November 5, 2026, meeting of the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC). Board President Jim Dougherty testified on behalf of DarkSky DC, urging the Commission to reject the proposed arch lighting plan due to its excessive brightness, potential environmental impacts, and aviation safety concerns.
The testimony was subsequently highlighted in a November 5 article in The Washington Post, which reported that DarkSky DC had warned the proposed illumination of the arch would create a “glare bomb” that could dramatically alter the region's night sky.
In his testimony, Dougherty identified several problems with the lighting proposal. According to the project's lighting plans, the arch's granite surfaces would receive approximately 7.5 times the illumination of the Washington Monument, while its towering golden statue would receive approximately 19 times as much. The design also calls for more than 200 upward-pointing floodlights, which DarkSky DC warned could create significant light pollution and potentially interfere with pilots approaching nearby Reagan National Airport. Dougherty also criticized the proposed use of cool-white lighting (4000 Kelvin), noting that it conflicts with NCPC guidance favoring warmer lighting in Washington's Monumental Core. These concerns underscore the importance of ensuring that new monuments respect the capital's nighttime environment and follow responsible lighting principles.
Despite extensive public testimony opposing the project, the NCPC approved the Triumphal Arch on November 5. Later that evening, a federal judge temporarily blocked construction for 14 days while legal challenges proceed.
DarkSky DC remains committed to advocating for outdoor lighting that protects the night sky, minimizes unnecessary glare, and preserves the nighttime character of our nation's capital.
Read the Washington Post article and the official DarkSky DC Testimony to learn more about the concerns raised by DarkSky DC.
