Committee on Science SHERWOOD BOEHLERT, CHAIRMAN Ralph M. Hall, Texas, Ranking Democrat www.house.gov/science May 24, 2001 Press Contacts: Bill Steponkus ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) Jeff Donald ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) (202)225-4275 ALTERING DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME COULD SAVE ENERGY, LIVES Careful Consideration Encouraged WASHINGTON, D.C. - At a house Science Subcommittee on Energy hearing today, panel Chairman Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD) called on Congress to take a close look at the potential benefits of extending daylight saving time and going to double daylight saving time for months of peak energy use. Representative Brad Sherman (D-CA) testified on a bill he introduced to authorize California and other Western states to adjust their time to help combat energy shortages. The legislation would allow the states to adopt year round daylight saving time or double daylight saving time during summer months. The time change would reduce the energy needed during peak hours. In his statement, Rep. Sherman stated, "History has shown that year round daylight saving time can save between one and two percent of energy consumption: I believe that taking this additional step during the summer will result in even greater savings." Rep. Sherman also noted that blackouts in California are often the result of a one to two percent deficit in energy need. Along with Rep. Sherman, witnesses included Linda Lawson, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy, U.S. Department of Transportation, and James C. Benfield, founder of the Daylight Saving Time Coalition. They explained that in addition to increased energy savings, extended sunlight in the evenings could also reduce traffic accidents and fatalities. However, both witnesses cautioned a rush to enact extended daylight saving time and concurred on the need for further studies on the effects. Subcommittee Chairman Roscoe Bartlett expressed his approval saying, "The outcome of today's hearing was a consensus conclusion that the pros of either year-round or double daylight savings far outweigh the cons," said Chairman Bartlett. ### 107-33 Jeff Donald Deputy Communications Director House Science Committee 2320 Rayburn Washington, DC 20515
