WA Senator Renews Push For Permanent Daylight Saving Time

WASHINGTON — With just a couple of days left until Daylight Saving Time ends, and Washingtonians set their clocks back for the season, Sen. Patty Murray took to the Senate floor and called on colleagues to pass a bipartisan effort to do away with the biannual time change.

"To put it simply, Americans want more sunshine and less depression," Murray said. "For goodness' sake, voters across the country have shown they support this, research shows this is good for public health, and studies demonstrate real economic benefits."

In 2019, Washington state legislators overwhelmingly approved legislation to "ditch the switch" and remain on Daylight Saving Time year-round. Nearly 20 other states have passed similar legislation, but states cannot enact the change without federal approval.

Related: When 2021 Daylight Saving Time Ends In Washington

Earlier this year, Murray co-sponsored the Sunshine Protection Act with Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), but Congress has yet to move forward on the matter. The senator renewed her call for action Thursday, citing several potential benefits of ending the seasonal time change. She also called on President Joe Biden to grant states like Washington a waiver to enact the legislation they have already approved.

"And it's not just Washington — states across the country from Florida and California to Maine and many more have now passed legislation or resolutions to make Daylight Saving Time year-round," Murray said. "But they're powerless to enact the overwhelming will of the people until they get federal approval."

Murray pointed to research supporting the positive effects of doing away with the time change, and particularly in keeping Daylight Saving Time.

"Studies have shown our switch to standard time can increase rates of seasonal depression as well as heart problems and risk of stroke," Murray said. "Researchers also believe that if we made Daylight Saving Time permanent, there would be fewer car accidents and evening robberies thanks to a more regular schedule and extra hour of sun. And there are studies that indicate permanent Daylight Saving Time could offset reduced economic activity that we see during standard time and even lead to greater energy savings."

As a result of the time change Sunday morning, sunset in Washington will come an hour earlier, at 4:42 p.m. By the winter solstice, the sun will set at 4:20 p.m. and total "daylight" hours will be below 8 and a half hours.

Watch Sen. Murray's full remarks below: