Sunshine Protection Act

The Sunshine Protection Act would establish a permanent daylight saving time in the U.S., leading to later sunrises and sunsets during the four months in which most of the U.S. currently observes standard time, resulting in less sunlight in the morning hours and more sunlight in the evening ones.

This sounds nice. After all who doesn’t want to protect sunshine? What seems like a good idea to lawmakers often plays out far differently than they predict. You can probably think of several examples of this!

Permanent Daylight Saving Time would have a negative effect on most AM radio stations which must reduce power while dark, and would be worse for those like WPEO-AM, that cannot operate while dark. In January we would not be allowed to sign on until 8:00 A.M. Radio audiences peak in the morning and decline through the day. We would miss half of morning drive time if this bill becomes law.

Our lawmakers also apparently have either forgotten or just don’t know the history of DST. Congress passed a similar bill that became law in 1974. It was so unpopular, they repealed it in just a year.

This bill has already passed the U.S. House of Representatives, The Senate version is sitting in the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. President Trump has said he’ll sign it if it makes it to him. WPEO encourages you to contact your US Senator.

Here is a sample letter for you to email to our Senators. Feel free to edit this, but as ambassadors of Christ, please be respectful.

Dear Senator,

I am writing as a listener to The Word, WPEO, to ask you to oppose any effort to make Daylight Saving Time permanent.

Like many people in Central Illinois, I begin my day by listening to WPEO. The Bible teaching, Christian talk programs, local weather, and community information encourage me before I head to work and help me keep my focus on what is truly important.

Most people probably don't realize that stations like WPEO cannot broadcast before sunrise. Because they are licensed as daytime-only AM stations, federal regulations require them to stay off the air until the sun comes up.

If Daylight Saving Time became permanent, winter sunrises would be about an hour later by the clock. That means WPEO could remain off the air until after many people have already arrived at work. Listeners like me would lose access to the programs that have become part of our daily routine.

This isn't simply about convenience. Local radio stations provide encouragement, trusted information, emergency announcements, weather updates, and a connection to our community. For many people—including seniors, commuters, farmers, and those who don't rely on streaming services—radio is still an important part of everyday life.

Permanent Daylight Saving Time would unintentionally silence stations like WPEO during one of the most important hours of the day. That would hurt not only the station, but also the thousands of listeners who depend on it.

I understand there are many opinions about changing the clock. However, I hope you will consider this consequence before supporting permanent Daylight Saving Time. Please protect the ability of local radio stations to serve their communities during the morning hours when listeners need them most.

Thank you for your service and for considering my concerns.

Sincerely,

Thank you for your help!