Washington (March 7, 2019) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) released the following statement in anticipation of Daylight Saving Time (DST) this weekend. As part of the 2005 Energy Policy Act, then-Representative Markey and Representative Fred Upton (R-Mich.) amended the Uniform Time Act of 1996 to increase the portion of the year that is subject to Daylight Saving Time, providing longer hours of daylight and helping consumers cut back on peak-hour electricity usage. The Markey amendment extended the duration of DST in the spring by changing its start date from the first Sunday in April to the second Sunday in March, and in the fall by changing its end date from the last Sunday in October to the first Sunday in November.  As far back as 1985, Senator Markey partnered with Representative. Carlos Moorhead (R-Calif.) to extend DST by three weeks.

“Daylight Saving Time – or DST – also stands for Daylight Sunshine Time, providing welcome extra hours of sun after a cold winter,” said Senator Markey. “The extra time of sunshine brings a smile to everyone’s faces, puts a spring in our step, and offers a great reason to get outside and enjoy the outdoors. I am proud to have helped co-author this provision of the law.”

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