Downtown Dallas Expo Focuses on the Environment

DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF) – Earth X 2022 is running through the weekend at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas.

The expo returns after a three year hiatus amid the COVID pandemic. The event will feature vendors, education, panels, and ore surrounding the importance of the environment.

The event is one of several examples of how Dallas residents and leaders are turning their focus to the environment.

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson on Friday issued an official proclamation declaring April 22 through May 12, 2022, as “Lights Out Nights” in the city.

“Dallas is a global leader in addressing environmental issues,” Mayor Johnson said. “And on Earth Day, I am proud to say that the people of our city have made major strides by taking small steps, such as this one, together.

Mayor Johnson’s proclamation urges residents and businesses — including the city’s famed LED-lit downtown buildings — to turn off or turn down non-essential lights between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. during a critical migratory period for birds in the United States. Light pollution, prominent in major metropolitan areas such as the Dallas region, threatens birds migrating throughout the country. The birds, which often migrate at night, are disoriented by urban lights and are more likely to collide with buildings as a result.

“Lights Out Nights have become a worthwhile tradition in Dallas, and I encourage all of our residents and businesses to again participate if they are able to do so safely,” Mayor Johnson said. “Turning off non-essential lighting at night for a few weeks helps our ecosystem, conserves energy, and saves money.”

The proclamation is part of the Lights Out Texas Initiative, led by former First Lady Laura Bush. Mayor Johnson has previously supported the initiative during past critical migratory periods.

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