As September begins and summer starts to wind down, it’s time to think about the upcoming end of daylight saving time. With temperatures beginning to cool and fall just around the corner, the moment to adjust our clocks is approaching.
This year, as usual, the clocks will fall back on Sunday, November 3, signaling shorter days ahead. While opinions on this practice vary, many agree that the biggest perk is gaining an extra hour of sleep.
Pennsylvania leading the way: the potential to eliminate daylight saving time
Pennsylvania residents might soon be among the first to say goodbye to daylight saving time for good. Back in April 2021, the state’s House of Representatives passed a bill with a narrow 103-98 vote that could establish a permanent daylight saving time, thereby eliminating the twice-yearly clock changes.
Why make daylight saving time permanent?
There are several significant benefits to adopting a consistent year-round time:
- Energy savings: Studies suggest that maintaining daylight saving time throughout the year could help reduce energy consumption.
- Fewer traffic accidents: The disruption caused by changing clocks has been linked to an increase in traffic accidents, which could decrease with a stable time.
- Reduced crime rates: More daylight in the evening could contribute to lower crime rates.
- Healthier lifestyles: A permanent time change could promote more consistent and healthier habits.
Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, who sponsored the bill, described the clock changes as “inefficient and outdated.” Mackenzie believes there’s growing support for a permanent time standard and sees Pennsylvania leading the way in this change.
A growing national movement
Pennsylvania isn’t alone in this push. The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) has reported over 650 bills and motions across the U.S. aimed at making daylight saving time permanent.
For now, daylight saving time is still set to end this year on Sunday, November 3. Whether this will be the last time Pennsylvanians adjust their clocks remains uncertain, but the trend is clear—more and more people are ready for a permanent change.
The discussion around daylight saving time is gaining momentum, with Pennsylvania at the forefront of a movement that could redefine how we manage time in the future.