Energy Bill and Clock Changes
The House of Representatives has passed an energy bill on Thursday with a provision unrelated to oil-drilling in ANWR and other controversies but that will have a direct effect on daily life.

The bill has some provisions not seen in past energy legislation.

It would expand daylight-saving time by two months. The measure's supporters said that could save the equivalent of 100,000 barrels of oil a day. Nobody objected to that provision.

Perhaps it will save 100,000 barrels a day. Or maybe not. Later sunset in March and November also means a later sunrise in those months, which could cut into those savings and raise safety issues for morning commuters and school children.

The bill faces an uncertain fate in the Senate. Perhaps extended daylight saving time is a good idea, but shouldn't this provision see more attention and debate than it's received thus far?

In any event, energy-saving efforts should also include more attention to making outdoor lighting more efficient and less obtrusive.