It happens twice every year in most states, including Pennsylvania. We all make the switch between daylight standard time (DST) and standard time, adding unnecessary stress to our lives.

I believe ending the practice of changing our clocks biannually is long overdue and have reintroduced legislation in the House of Representatives that would make DST permanent in the Commonwealth. Congress would first have to give states the authority to do so because it is currently against federal law.

The Sunshine Protection Act was introduced in Washington earlier this year by U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio and Rep. Vern Buchanan. The legislation would make DST permanent and end the twice-a-year clock change that takes place every November and March. In his press release Rubio said, “This ritual of changing time twice a year is stupid.”

The arguments in support of making the change to a standard time year-round are numerous. Experts say more daylight in the evening could improve public safety, increase social and commercial activity, and lower electricity use.

A 2019 poll by the Associated Press also found that 70% of Americans want to end twice-a-year clock changes, with permanent DST being the more popular option.

DST has been in place in nearly all the U.S. since the 1960s after being first tried in 1918. Year-round DST was used during World War II and adopted again in 1973 in an attempt to reduce energy use because of an oil embargo. It was repealed in 1974.

In recent years, about 30 states have introduced legislation to end the twice-yearly changing of clocks.

My proposal, House Bill 272, is currently under consideration by the House State Government Committee.

 

Information provided to TVL by:
Andy Briggs
Representative Ryan Mackenzie
134th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
http://www.repmackenzie.com/

 

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