(DC BUREAU) — As the days get shorter, debate over daylight saving time is back on Capitol Hill.
“Most people I talk to would like to have a set time that doesn’t change,” Rep. Frank Pallone, D-N.J., said.
But whether it should be permanent daylight saving time or standard time is the question.
“It’s time for us to decide on one standard and to just stick with it,” Rep. Lori Trahan, D-Mass., said.
During a House Subcommittee hearing on “Time, Travel and Tourism,” the National Golf Course Owners Association says most of its members want permanent daylight saving time.
“Our point-of-sale data shows afternoon and evening hours generate 40% more revenue per hour than the morning play,” CEO Jay Karen said.
According to Karen, the extra light later in the day is good for business and Americans’ health.
“The economic opportunity is tens of millions of dollars,” Karen said. “It also gets people outside, recreating together — the social and mental health benefits of golf are well-documented.”
But University of Kentucky Professor Tyler Kleppe said the circadian disruptions tied to it could have serious downsides for health and the economy.
“Permanent standard time is better for cognitive function,” Kleppe said.
There are currently four bills in Congress dealing with daylight saving time, some of which leave it up to states.
The Sunshine Protection Act, cosponsored by Rep. Erin Houchin, R-Ind., would make daylight saving time the standard.
“Putting that extra hour of light where families can actually use it in the evening,” Houchin said.
So far, 19 states have passed laws to make daylight saving time permanent, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. But Congress has to pass its own bill for those to take effect.