Share:
House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2025 - 2026
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | December 6, 2024 10:59 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Russ Diamond |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Stop Changing Clocks |
| In the near future I will be introducing legislation to end the outdated ritual of “springing forward and falling back” to observe Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Pennsylvania. Observing DST was initiated during World War I as an attempt to save energy, but energy savings from changing clocks have historically been negligible at best. Due to the proliferation of air conditioning, energy usage under DST may actually increase. The phase-out of incandescent bulbs further minimizes any energy-related considerations. Office buildings, manufacturing facilities, retail stores, other workplaces, and homes remain climate controlled and/or illuminated both day and night. In fact, there may be more negative side effects from changing clocks than benefits. Studies have shown that automobile accidents, workplace injuries, heart attacks, strokes, cluster headaches, depression, and suicides all increase in the weeks following clock changes. Artificial interruptions of natural biological rhythms and sleep cycles can wreak havoc on job performance, academic results, and overall physical/mental health. Clock changes require farmers to make needless adjustments as crops and animals live by the sun, not a timepiece. A 2016 study of 300 US metropolitan areas based on evidence from peer-reviewed academic journals by Chmura Economics & Analytics found that $434 million in annual economic losses are realized in those metro areas due to observing DST. Every Pennsylvania metro area included in the study indicated a negative economic impact from DST. A 2008 report by the Independent Institute estimated that the annual US “opportunity cost” of changing clocks could be as high as $1.7 billion. Federal law permits a state to exempt itself from changing clocks and observing DST, and to remain on Standard Time year-round. Arizona, Hawaii, all five US territories, and most other nations do not observe DST. As the Keystone State, Pennsylvania should be a leader among states in ending this outdated practice. Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation that will not only end the antiquated ritual of changing clocks, but will also help preserve the health, safety, well-being, productivity, and lives of Pennsylvanians. |