Session: State Capitol, Room 421 Juneau, AK 99801-1182 Phone: (907) 465-2693 Toll Free: (800) 463-2693 Fax: (907) 465-3835 Interim: 35477 Suite 101-B Spur Highway Soldotna, AK 99669 Phone: (907) 260-5236 Fax: (907) 260-5238

Sponsor Statement for HB 409
Eliminate Daylight Saving Time

An Act rejecting the use of daylight saving time.

Alaska is one of the few places in the world that has its own distinct time zone. When House Bill 409 passes, it will place us 1-hour closer to being on time with the rest of the Pacific Rim. Since it is this area Alaska has the most opportunity to develop strategic economic partnerships with, it is only logical that we are more on time with them.

The great American Statesman-Inventor-Philosopher, Benjamin Franklin, first proposed the idea of daylight saving time as a health measure. At that time, a great deal of people developed lung related health problems due to the use of kerosene lamps at night. Then in WWII daylight savings was used to conserve energy and resources for the war effort. Large amounts of oil and coal were saved by decreasing the need for electricity in the evening hours.

Because of our high latitudinal location, the extremities in times for sunrise and sunset are more exaggerated for Alaska than anywhere else in the country. This places Alaska in the unique position to be less affected by any type of savings from daylight saving time.

The modern world is a world of 24/7 business, gas stations, quick marts, grocery stores, department stores and online midnight shopping. Moreover, the states largest revenue producing industry, the oil and gas industry works around the clock irrespective of daylight saving time. The world of the 21'st century does not stop nor go to sleep at any type of regular hours. We are a 24/7 globally interactive society, which keeps erratic and irregular hours. The actual benefit attributed to Alaska from daylight saving time is essentially nonexistent.

Alaskans are and have always been independent. We as a people disdain being told what to do by the rest of the country. HB 409 will get rid of one more, unnecessary shackle placed on Alaskans by the Federal Government.

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