Zoning Out

The State and Local Government Committee unanimously approved a bill yesterday that would change Maine's time zone. If the measure passes the legislature, the question of whether to switch to Atlantic Time will be on the statewide ballot in November, 2006. Here's the Maine Public Radio report (audio file).

Currently, the sun rises and sets in Maine an hour earlier than it does in the rest of the country because our state is shifted into a time zone to the west of its actual geographic location.

Proponents of the change to Atlantic Time cite advantages to commerce, energy savings, and mental health improvements. One group, the Maine Association of Broadcasters, has already lined up to oppose the measure. They're worried about the effects this change could have on TV schedules.

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