Permanent Timezone

Changing our clocks an hour every year is not only a hassle, it has harmful economic and psychological effects. Our clocks do not change when the sun rises and sets. While some people and businesses may choose to change their hours of operation, this is not something that should be imposed on all through a mandated changing of clock time.

All states have a right to observe permanent standard time as Hawaii and Arizona have already elected to do. We must start by making this switch within the context of our state government. A permanent switch to daylight savings time may be more desirable but would require Congressional authority. Until such authority is received, Washington should commit to permanent Pacific Standard Time.

This could be achieved by passing a reintroduced version of SB 5795 in a future legislative session.

UW impact study.