light pollution

Does anyone know why there is a trend toward wide dispersion street lamps? And most of the newer lamps are brighter and provide a wider area of light. I think there's little concern on efficient use of electric power and no concern for light pollution(for the most part). Wouldn't street lamps be more effective and efficient if they were more focused and directional? I've seen new lamps put up on old highway lamp towers, and the new luminaire design is extremely wide dispersion and the old ones looked more like flashlights( more parabolic looking reflector and almost flat lens).

This link was found on UACNJ.ORG regarding the State of NJ's energy planning.

"The state of NJ is accepting comments from the public on its proposed energy master plan. It contains no references to light pollution or outdoor lighting!" 

Use your voice or lose it.