Explore the Sunshine Protection Act and its implications, as well as ways to make the most of that extra hour of daylight from Daylight Saving Time.
Last year, Florida Senator Marco Rubio introduced the Sunshine Protection Act, which successfully passed in the Senate but was ultimately denied by the House of Representatives. However, Rubio reintroduced the bill on March 2, 2023.
If the Sunshine Protection Act is enacted, it would eliminate the twice-yearly clock changes, establishing year-round Daylight Saving Time.
What impact would this legislation have? Let’s delve into this question and discover how you can utilize that additional hour of daylight—especially in relation to solar energy.
A Brief History of Daylight Saving Time
Daylight Saving Time (DST) has been a part of American tradition since 1918, when Congress passed the Standard Time Act to regulate time zones. The idea of saving daylight can be traced back even further to a satirical letter written by Benjamin Franklin in 1784, where he suggested waking citizens with cannon fire at sunrise to minimize candle usage at night.
Will the Sunshine Protection Act Pass?
Over the last few years, at least 45 states have proposed legislation to establish permanent standard time or alter their observance of Daylight Saving Time. However, states lack the authority to make DST permanent on their own.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), while states can observe DST, they must adhere to federally mandated start and end dates. Even if the Sunshine Protection Act passes, states still cannot independently decide to maintain permanent Daylight Saving Time. The DOT has indicated that managing these state-by-state requests could be complicated.
For the time being, the tradition of Daylight Saving Time is likely to continue, but discussions on the matter are ongoing.
Impact of the Sunshine Protection Act
If the act passes, Americans could enjoy more sunlight during the shorter days of winter. Supporters argue that additional sunlight would lead to improved sleep and overall happiness, with research suggesting that brighter mornings align better with our internal biological clocks.
There are also safety considerations to take into account. Studies indicate that the days following the transition to standard time often see a rise in accidents and health issues, such as heart attacks.
As for solar energy, while the passing of the bill won’t change the number of hours your solar panels can generate energy, it will ensure they continue to absorb sunlight and produce electricity regardless of the time of year. Your solar system operates silently in the background, enabling you to focus on your daily life without concerns about energy production.
Making the Most of Extra Daylight
Here are some enjoyable ways to capitalize on that additional hour of daylight from Daylight Saving Time:
- Outdoor Dinners: Use the extra light as an opportunity to host family dinners outdoors. Create a cozy patio setup with comfortable seating and enjoy delightful meals under the sky.
- Start a Garden: Whether indoors or outdoors, plants not only beautify your space but can also enhance your mood. Dedicate some time each morning to tending to your plants—this can provide a refreshing start to your day.
- Evening Walks: If you’re an early riser, take advantage of your afternoons by going for a walk in the evenings. Enjoy the sunset while unwinding after a long day.
- Enjoy Nature: With the extended daylight hours, be sure to spend quality time outside. Engage in activities like reading or journaling to soak up the sunlight and benefit from Vitamin D.
Embrace the longer days and the potential solar benefits they bring! Solar energy not only helps you save on electricity but also allows you to enjoy the beautiful outdoor experiences that come with extra daylight.