Two legislators have taken steps to end Daylight Savings Time in Oklahoma, a move that would affect any oil and gas operator in the state.
State Rep. Kevin West and State Sen. Marty Quinn filed House Bill 1117 to end the state’s observance of the system that requires setting clocks forward an hour in the spring and back an hour in the fall in an attempt to increase daylight during evening hours.
“For a number of years, I have heard many Oklahomans complain about having to set their clocks forward or backward twice each year,” said West, R-Moore. “I began researching problems surrounding the time changes and found several studies suggesting relationships with various health issues, increased automobile accidents and work-related injuries. “
He said there is also a concern in winter months with having Oklahoma’s children at bus stops in the dark and freezing temperatures in the early morning hours.
“In addition, I have seen reports that say consumer spending also drops when the time changes,” added West.
Quinn, R-Claremore, said, “I’m supportive of Rep. West’s proposal to eliminate Daylight Saving Time and I’m glad to be the Senate author of House Bill 1117, as I agree the practice has long outlived its usefulness. When Daylight Saving Time was first introduced during World War I, the need may have been valid. However, given the changes in modern day society and culture, as well as from an economical perspective, the intended benefits of the tradition have diminished.”
West said that as a former resident of Phoenix, AZ, which does not observe Daylight Savings Time, not having to set clocks forward or backwards made things much more convenient. He said after careful consideration, he decided to file this bill in order to present lawmakers and Oklahoma residents an opportunity to have conversations and discussions about whether this would be the right move for the state.
West said he’s getting a good reaction from around the state.
“There has been an overwhelming positive response and also many voicing concerns and asking solid questions,” he said.
West said he is in contact with a legislator in Kansas that also has a bill to exempt the state from using Daylight Savings Time and there is also some conversation with Missouri for exemption as well.
“Many states are actively looking at exemptions at this time,” West said.
