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SALT LAKE CITY — A legislative proposal that would have kept Utah on Mountain Standard Time year-round was voted down Tuesday by lawmakers weary of the issue that keeps returning to Capitol Hill.
"This is kind of like 'Groundhog Day' all over again," said Rep. Doug Sagers, R-Tooele. "I am kind of tired of it."
Sagers' comment came after Rep. Fred Cox, R-West Valley City, presented HB65 to the House Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Committee, and the Utah Farm Bureau testified against the measure.
Cox said the issue of changing the clocks for daylight saving time or keeping to Mountain Standard Time elicits passion from both sides and particularly draws interest among farmers and parents of school-age children.
He added that the only reason for his sponsorship of the measure is that repeated surveys and polls indicate the majority of Utah residents favor staying on one time schedule, rather than setting clocks in the spring and the fall.
One lawmaker suggested if it is that big of a desire of Utah residents, it might be an issue best suited for a public referendum.
— Amy Joi O'Donoghue
