Possible Repeal of Daylight Saving Time in Alaska

Posted on: January 27, 2009 | admin | Comments Off | Print Article | Rate Post:

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My Fellow Alaskan,

In direct response to a number of concerns raised by my constituents and various groups, such as K-12 educators, the elderly, northwestern rural communities, and others, we have been researching the possible repeal of Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Alaska.

It is clear, from two statewide polls done in 2004 and ’05, that a strong majority of Alaskan’s statewide favor the repeal of DST for a variety of reasons.  The purpose of this letter is to ask you directly for your feedback and/or concerns with this action.  Please let us know if you support or oppose the repeal of DST – and why.

As most of you know, in 1983, with congressional approval, Alaska consolidated its five time zones into two.  This was done to better consolidate our communities and to enable better public services.  Alaska Standard Time (AST) now covers most of our state, with only a few Aleutian Islands in the other time zone.  AST is one hour earlier then Pacific Standard Time and four hours earlier then Eastern Standard Time.

Daylight Saving Time was actually an idea that originated as an American domestic policy during World War I to save energy.

Some of the questions we have been asking in our research are:

• Does DST really save energy?
• Does DST adversely impact student performance?
• Does DST in Alaska provide more sunlight?
• Does DST have anything to do with farming?
• Has technology changed to improve communication within the business community?

What are the real benefits of Daylight Saving Time to Alaskans?  Is it time to consider eliminating Daylight Saving Time?  In our efforts to better understand this issue, educators have told us that it has a significant adverse impact on our children, especially in the spring when Alaskan children are taking critical exams.  Is this your experience too?

The legislature will hold statewide public hearings on this, but I’m specifically interested in hearing from more Alaskans as we enter into this discussion.

Please provide comments to my office by email: Rep_Anna_Fairclough@legis.state.ak.us or fax my Juneau office at 907 465 2819, or call 907 465 3777 by Monday February 2, 2009.

Thanks for taking your time to help me and my colleagues craft responsible public policy for Alaska.

Sincerely,

Representative Anna Fairclough

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