Legislature(2023 - 2024)BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/05/2024 01:30 PM Senate COMMUNITY & REGIONAL AFFAIRS
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB184 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | SB 184 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
SB 184-ELIMINATE DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME
1:30:56 PM
CHAIR DUNBAR announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 184
"An Act exempting the state from daylight saving time; and
providing for an effective date."
1:31:50 PM
GRIFFEN SUKKAEW, Staff, Senator Scott Kawasaki, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, presented the sponsor statement and
sectional analysis for SB 184 on behalf of the sponsor:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Senate Bill 184 would exempt the State of Alaska from
the practice of Daylight-Saving Time every year.
Daylight-Saving Time traditionally is observed between
the second Sunday of March and the first Sunday of
November.
While Daylight-Saving Time has been observed in Alaska
since 1966, this bill aims to switch Alaska to an
observation of permanent Standard Time. This would
benefit Alaskans mental and physical health, the
Alaskan economy, no longer require a clock change
twice a year.
Arizona, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa and
the U.S. Virgin Islands have exempted themselves from
Daylight-Saving Time. Many other states including
Washington and Oregon introduced similar legislation
this session.
I look forward to discussing this issue with the
committee.
1:33:20 PM
MR. SUKKAEW presented the sectional analysis for SB 184:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Section 1: AS 44.12 is amended by adding a section
exempting the State of Alaska from observing "advanced
time" also known as daylight saving time.
Section 2: Adds an effective date of July 31, 2024.
1:34:11 PM
MR. SUKKAEW moved to slides 1-2 and began a presentation on SB
184 Permanent Standard Time. He stated that Germany was the
first country to implement Daylight Saving Time (DST) in 1916 to
conserve energy during wartime. The United States adopted DST in
1918 after entering World War I but repealed it a year later.
The US then reinstated DST during World War II. Following the
war, localities independently decided when to switch between DST
and standard time, leading to varying practices across states.
For example, by 1965, 18 states observed DST six months a year
while cities and town in 18 other states observed DST for four
to six months a year. Twelve states chose to observe standard
time. He explained that the Uniform Time Act of 1966
standardized DST start and end dates nationwide, establishing
six months each of DST and standard time, while Arizona and
Hawaii chose to maintain standard time year-round. After a
failed experiment under the Nixon administration, Congress
extended DST in 1986 and 2007 that resulted in the current
system of eight months of DST and four months of standard time.
1:35:36 PM
MR. SUKKAEW moved to slide 3 and stated that changing clocks
twice a year negatively affects circadian rhythms, disrupting
internal clocks and metabolisms for days or weeks after the
shift. He highlighted a 2020 study from the PLOS Computational
Biology Journal, which identified elevated risks of
cardiovascular disease, injuries, mental and behavioral health
issues, and immune-related diseases linked to DST shifts in the
United States and Sweden. He emphasized that aligning work,
school, and other activities with daylight becomes misaligned
during these transitions, compounding health risks. He cited a
2020 study by the American Economic Association, which estimated
a $275 million annual social cost due to DST policy changes from
2002 to 2011.
1:36:49 PM
MR. SUKKAEW moved to slide 4 and stated that the negative
effects of changing clocks on Alaskans are clear, shifting the
debate to whether Alaska should stick with permanent Daylight-
Saving Time (DST) or Standard Time. He explained that SB 184
would keep Alaska on permanent Standard Time and emphasized that
there are compelling reasons to support this choice.
1:37:05 PM
MR. SUKKAEW moved to slide 5 and outlined several drawbacks of
permanent Daylight-Saving Time (DST), referencing the 1970s
energy crisis when President Nixon and Congress implemented it
for two years. Public support for permanent DST dropped from 79
percent in December 1973 to 42 percent three months later,
leading to its repeal, largely due to concerns over
schoolchildren's safety in dark mornings. He noted that the
historical claim of energy savings from DST is outdated due to
the efficiency of LED lighting. He added that darker mornings
increase heating demand, while brighter evenings raise air
conditioning use, with most studies finding minimal or no
significant energy savings from DST, and some even showing
higher household energy costs. He explained that current federal
law permits states to opt out of observing Daylight Saving Time
(DST), as seen in Hawaii, Arizona, and five U.S. territories,
but prohibits states from adopting permanent DST without
congressional action to amend the Uniform Time Act.
1:38:28 PM
MR. SUKKAEW moved to slide 6 and emphasized the importance of
morning light for synchronizing biological clocks and
maintaining physical and mental health. He noted that morning
sunlight can reduce the risk of metabolic disorders, depression,
and cardiovascular disease. He added that Alaska's northern
latitude means short winter days are inevitable, making the
benefits of morning light especially critical.
1:38:55 PM
MR. SUKKAEW moved to slide 7 and referenced a chart comparing
morning light across Alaska under permanent Standard Time and
permanent Daylight-Saving Time (DST). He highlighted the
benefits of earlier sunrises with Standard Time. He stated that
nearly 25 percent of Alaskans experience seasonal affective
disorder during the long winter months. He emphasized that
adopting permanent Standard Time would promote earlier sunrises,
improving health and productivity for Alaskans.
1:39:20 PM
MR. SUKKAEW moved to slide 8 and provided a photographic example
illustrating the difference in morning light between Daylight
Saving Time (DST) and Standard Time in Fairbanks. He also
provided a graphic illustrating that DST misaligns clocks with
the natural sun cycle, causing noon to no longer correspond to
the sun's peak. He stated that permanent Standard Time is
supported by the American Academy of Sleep, European Sleep
Research Society, Center for Economic Policy Research, and many
Alaskans statewide. He referenced testimony included in the SB
184 bill packets showing recent support for the measure. He
concluded by noting that adopting year-round Standard Time does
not require a congressional amendment, making it a quick and
effective solution to enhance the well-being of Alaskans
statewide.
1:40:11 PM
MR. SUKKAEW moved to slides 9 - 10 and provided a list of the
works cited in the presentation:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Works Used
Beaujon, A. (2022, March 15). The US Tried Permanent
Daylight Saving Time in the '70s. People Hated It.
Washingtonian.
https://www.washingtonian.com/2022/03/15/the-us-
tried-permanent-daylight-saving-time-in-the-70s-
people-hated-it/
Downing, M. (2018, March 9). 100 years later, the
madness of daylight saving time endures. The
Conversation.
https://theconversation.com/100-yearslater-the-
madness-of-daylight-saving-time-endures-93048
Entergy Corporate Editorial Team. (2020, February 26).
Does Daylight Saving Time Really Save Energy? By:
Corporate Editorial Team. Entergy Newsroom. Retrieved
March 4, 2024, from
https://www.entergynewsroom.com/article/does-
daylight-saving-time-really-save-energy/
Herf, M. (2019, March 20). Why Standard Time is
better. We have to stop changing the clocks? | by
Michael Herf | Medium. Michael Herf.
https://herf.medium.com/why-standard-time-is-
better-e586b500923
Kotchen, M. J., & Grant, L. E. (2011, November 1).
Does Daylight Saving Time Save Energy? Evidence From A
Natural Experiment In Indiana. The Review of Economics
and Statistics, 93(4), 1174.
https://resources.environment.yale.edu/kotchen/
pubs/revDSTpaper.pdf
Manfredini, R., Fabbian, F., Cappadona, R., Giorgi, A.
D., Bravi, F., Carradori, T., Flacco, M. E., &
Manzoli, L. (2019). Daylight Saving Time and Acute
Myocardial Infarction: A Meta-Analysis. Journal of
Clinical Medicine, 8(3).
https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/8/3/404
McMillan, A. (2022, November 7). The History of
Daylight Saving Time | Alumni Association. University
of Colorado Boulder.
https://www.colorado.edu/coloradan/2022/11/07/
history-daylight-saving-time
Meira, C. E., Miyazawa, M., Manfredini, R., Cardinali,
D., Reiter, R., Araujo, F. J., Agostinho, R., & Acuña-
Castroviejo, D. (2019). Impact of Daylight Saving Time
on circadian timing system: An expert statement.
European Journal of Internal Medicine, 60, 1-3.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs
/pii/S0953620519300135
Rishi, M. A., Cheng, J. Y., Strang, A. R., Sexton-
Radek, K., Ganguly, G., Licis, A., Flynn-Evans, E. E.,
Berneking, M. W., Bhui, R., Creamer, J., Kundel, V.,
Namen, A. M., Spector, A. R., Olaoye, O., Hashmi, S.
D., Abbasi-Feinberg, F., Abreu, A. R.,
Gurubhagavatula, I., Kapur, V. K., ? Sullivan, S. S.
(2024). Permanent standard time is the optimal choice
for Health and Safety: An American Academy of Sleep
Medicine Position statement. Journal of Clinical Sleep
Medicine, 20(1), 121125.
https://doi.org/10.5664/jcsm. 10898
Silver, L., & Hatfield, J. (2023, October 26).
Daylight saving time and time zones in countries
around the world: Key facts. Pew Research Center.
Retrieved March 4, 2024, from
https://pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/10/26/most-
countries-dont-observe-daylight-saving-time/
Smith, A. C. (2016, April). Spring Forward at Your Own
Risk: Daylight Saving Time and Fatal Vehicle Crashes.
American Economic Association, 8(2), 65- 91.
https://www.aeaweb.org/articles?id=10.1257/app.2014010
Solly, M. (2022, March 16). The History of Daylight
Saving Time | Smart News. Smithsonian Magazine.
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smartnews/what-
happened-the-last-time-the-us-tried-to-make-daylight-
saving-time-permanent-180979742/
Strazisar, B., & Strazisar, L. (2021). Daylight Saving
Time: Pros and Cons. Sleep Medicine Clinics, 16(3),
523-531.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/
S1556407X21000369
Zhang, H., Dahlen, T., Khan, A., Edgren, G., &
Rzhetsky, A. (2020). Measurable health effects
associated with the daylight saving time shift. PLoS
computational biology, 16(6), e1007927.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi. 1007927
1:40:23 PM
CHAIR DUNBAR observed that most research on Daylight Saving Time
(DST) focuses on the Lower 48 states due to their larger
population centers. He questioned whether any studies have
specifically examined the effects of DST in Arctic areas, where
extended periods of darkness, such as in Utqiagvik, make
arguments about light and dark less relevant. He noted that the
clock change still causes harmful health effects regardless of
daylight conditions and asked whether any research has addressed
the impact of DST in northern regions.
MR. SUKKAEW said he would look into it and deferred to Mr. Pea.
1:41:56 PM
CHAIR DUNBAR announced invited testimony for SB 184.
1:42:04 PM
JAY PEA, Founder, Save Standard Time, Phoenix, Arizona, provided
invited testimony in support of SB 184. He said he is also a co-
chair of the Coalition for Permanent Standard Time, which is a
collaboration with the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the
Society for Research on Biological Rhythms, the Sleep Research
Society, and the National Sleep Foundation. He explained that
Standard Time reflects natural time, aligning 12 p.m. with the
sun's peak and balancing light between morning and evening. He
emphasized that morning light is vital for health, particularly
for children, farmers, commuters, and outdoor workers, as it
improves alertness, stimulates wake-up hormones like cortisol,
and helps regulate sleep. He noted broad support for permanent
Standard Time from organizations like the American Medical
Association, the National Safety Council, Bloomberg, and
international groups, including Canadian sleep societies. He
added that the Uniform Time Act allows states to adopt permanent
Standard Time without federal amendments. He recommended delayed
effective dates for states nervous about making the change. He
said nationwide there are more bills than ever before in favor
of permanent Standard Time and opined that once a state passes a
bill in the 21st Century any other states will follow. He noted
that Arizona, Hawaii, and five territories are already exempt
from DST. He mentioned Mexico's recent switch to permanent
Standard Time and noted that most nations follow this policy.
Highlighting the failure of permanent DST, he recounted issues
in the 1970s and Russia's 2011-2014 experiment, both of which
led to significant public safety concerns and health problems
like depression and increased accidents. He advised those who
prefer DST to adjust their own schedules rather than imposing it
universally, particularly since permanent DST worsens depression
rates in northern latitudes by reducing morning light.
1:45:57 PM
MR. PEA addressed the question of northern latitudes, citing
studies that show higher depression rates in these regions due
to a lack of morning light. He emphasized that SB 184 would
alleviate this issue by increasing morning light, whereas
permanent Daylight-Saving Time (DST) would exacerbate it by
reducing morning light. He also highlighted Russia's experiment
with permanent DST from 2011 to 2014, which was abandoned after
significant increases in depression and automobile accidents
prompted a return to permanent Standard Time.
1:47:04 PM
CHAIR DUNBAR noted that Alaska's unique position with two time
zones raises concerns about decoupling from regions like the
East Coast or California, where business interactions are
frequent. He highlighted that many Alaskans work remotely or
maintain business relationships with the East Coast. He asked
how Hawaii, as a state similarly uncoupled from the contiguous
United States, manages this issue.
1:47:47 PM
MR PEA responded that he has not observed or heard reports of
disruptions, confusion, or inconvenience to commerce stemming
from Hawaii's exemption from Daylight Saving Time (DST),
suggesting no news is good news. Drawing from his experience
living in Arizona, he acknowledged minor challenges in tracking
time differences, such as whether New York is two or three hours
ahead, but described this as manageable. He expressed confidence
that a state in the 21st century exempts itself from DST, other
states will follow, noting that many legislators are unaware
this option is already federally approved. He suggested that
Alaska could consider delaying the effective date by a year or
two or make it contingent upon another state, such as New York,
Illinois, or California, adopting a similar law. This approach
could address concerns about business alignment and encourage
other states with strong economic ties to Alaska to follow suit.
1:49:21 PM
CHAIR DUNBAR acknowledged a critique from Alaskans who
prioritize outdoor activities, noting that morning light is
often irrelevant during much of the winter since the sun rises
late, often after work begins. He expressed concerns that
leaving Daylight Saving Time (DST) could reduce evening
daylight, limiting time for beloved activities like hiking, ice
climbing, or other outdoor pursuits. He asked how proponents of
permanent Standard Time would address these concerns,
particularly for those who value the daylight around 3 or 4
p.m., which many Alaskans find precious for recreation.
1:50:04 PM
MR. PEA acknowledged Alaska's unique position, with very early
winter sunsets and very late summer sunsets due to its distance
from the equator. He noted that concerns about losing evening
daylight are common across states, regardless of whether sunsets
shift earlier by an hour. Referring to Anchorage, he observed
that June sunsets currently occur close to midnight under Alaska
Daylight Time and would shift to around 10:40 p.m. under
Standard Time, which he argued still allows ample evening
daylight for outdoor activities. He added that slightly earlier
sunsets could benefit children and adolescents by making it
easier to maintain healthy sleep schedules in summer.
1:51:35 PM
SENATOR GIESSEL pointed out that Alaska's use of Daylight-Saving
Time (DST) in the spring, summer, and early fall is misaligned
with the desire for more evening light, suggesting it would be
more logical to apply it in winter if evening light were the
priority. She also reminded the committee that Alaska
historically had four time zones and noted that the current
single time zone does not accurately reflect natural light
patterns across the state.
1:52:09 PM
CHAIR DUNBAR stated he grew up in Alaska's interior and does not
suffer from seasonal affective disorder, enjoying both darkness
in winter and light in summer. However, he stated he dislikes
the practice of changing his clocks and suggested the committee
consider taking action to address this issue.
1:52:31 PM
CHAIR DUNBAR opened public testimony on SB 184.
1:53:01 PM
TOM WILLIAMS, Financial Officer, Ward Air, Juneau, Alaska,
testified in support of part of SB 184. He said he is a 47-year
resident of Juneau, financial officer at Ward Air, and co-
operator of Alaska Northern Sands. He urged the committee to
eliminate the biannual time change. He stated that numerous
reports, including testimony on Senate Bill 6 in 2015, show no
benefit to switching between Standard Time and Daylight-Saving
Time (DST). However, he opposed moving to year-round Standard
Time, expressing strong support for year-round DST instead. He
explained that year-round Standard Time would negatively impact
Alaska's economy, particularly in Southeast Alaska during summer
months, where tourism is vital. He emphasized that visitors and
vacation rental guests prefer longer evening hours to enjoy
activities. He encouraged the committee to consider a substitute
making DST permanent, citing its economic and practical
advantages, and urged them not to advance SB 184 if it mandates
year-round Standard Time.
1:55:47 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON agreed with maintaining Daylight Savings
Time; regardless, she would like to see something change.
1:56:21 PM
MR. WILLIAMS recapped his position by urging the committee to
adopt a substitute making Daylight Saving Time (DST) permanent,
emphasizing the importance of preserving existing daylight hours
in the summer. He highlighted the critical role of extended
evening light for Alaska's tourism industry, allowing tourists
to maximize excursions and Alaskans to enjoy evenings after
work. He noted that year-round DST would benefit year-round
businesses, particularly flight charter operations, by
accommodating later evening flights, which align better with
customer preferences. He added that permanent DST would reduce
the time zone difference between Alaska and East Coast financial
markets, which benefits business interactions. He referenced
testimony on Senate Bill 6 in 2015, noting that California,
Oregon, and Washington had adopted provisions to move to year-
round DST if federally approved, with British Columbia
considering similar action. He cautioned against creating a two-
hour difference from West Coast business partners and stressed
the importance of maintaining alignment with those states. He
strongly encouraged the committee to adopt a substitute ensuring
Alaska remains on DST year-round.
1:59:14 PM
LYNN WILLIS, representing self, Eagle River, Alaska, testified
in support of SB 184. He expressed strong support for SB 184,
emphasizing his long-standing interest in this issue and its
unique complexity in Alaska. He noted that similar legislation,
including House Bill 4, House Bill 409, House Bill 176, and
Senate Bill 120, has been introduced since 1991, and argued that
most of the points have already been thoroughly debated. He
highlighted the 1983 time zone change, which was intended to
align Juneau and the Railbelt within the same time zone, and
acknowledged the reasons for Southeast Alaska, particularly
Juneau, wanting to remain in the same time zone as Seattle. He
passionately argued against continuing the practice of switching
between Standard Time and DST, calling it an unnecessary
disruption to circadian rhythms, and outdated given modern
energy practices like sensor-controlled lighting and computer-
managed HVAC systems. Recalling his time in the airline
industry, he explained how DST created complications with
schedules tied to Greenwich Mean Time. He expressed frustration,
stating he was "flabbergasted" that the state still engages in
this "ridiculous practice." He urged the committee to pass SB
184 without delays, rejecting suggestions for further studies or
postponements, and described ending the practice as removing
"one less rock in the public shoe."
2:03:24 PM
CHAIR DUNBAR closed public testimony on SB 184.
2:04:01 PM
CHAIR DUNBAR stated his intention to hear SB 184 on March 8th.
2:04:39 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN expressed strong opposition to SB 184 and
support for Mr. Williams' points, emphasizing the value of
evening daylight for Alaskans who enjoy outdoor recreation after
school and work. Drawing on his upbringing in Upper Michigan, he
highlighted how the extra hour of daylight allows families to
engage in activities like fishing or bear hunting. He argued
that these opportunities are essential for those with structured
schedules and who value outdoor time as part of their daily
lives. He stated that permanent Standard Time would take away
critical opportunities for outdoor activities and everyday
tasks, such as yard work or kids' sports practices, which would
often occur in the dark under Standard Time. He pointed out that
Alaskans are accustomed to dark mornings and continue to live,
work, and thrive despite limited winter daylight. He said he
adamantly opposes SB 184, asserting that the extra hour of
daylight after work and school is vital to the Alaskan way of
life and the well-being of blue-collar families.
[SB 184 was held in committee.]