The argument over daylight saving time in the United States is becoming more and more relevant as the day to move the clocks ahead draws near. Millions of people have to modify their schedules each year to accommodate the change, which sparks debate about its applicability and efficacy in the modern world. Even though its original goals were energy conservation and optimizing the use of sunshine, many people wonder if these advantages really hold true in the contemporary environment.
Because of its detrimental impacts on productivity and health, some states are working to permanently implement daylight saving time, while others are attempting to do away with it completely. Nonetheless, states are prohibited by federal law from acting alone without the consent of Congress. Due to this limitation, the legislation is at a standstill, and local plans cannot be carried out without the support of the federal government.
There is no denying how daylight saving time affects daily life. The debate over its continuation continues to split people on anything from possible economic consequences to sleep issues. As they wait for a final solution that would cease the biannual changes, residents are getting ready to move their clocks forward once more.
Why does daylight saving time exist?
In order to benefit from additional hours of sunlight, daylight saving time involves moving the clocks forward by one hour in the spring and backward in the fall. It began as an energy-saving measure during World War I in the United States. Later, in 1966, the Uniform Time Act standardized its application throughout the country.
Despite its original intention, there are now many doubts about its effectiveness. Several studies have shown that energy savings are minimal, while the negative effects on sleep and health are significant. According to a 2021 survey, 75% of Americans disagree with the daylight saving changes, although opinions are divided between those who prefer permanent daylight saving time and those who advocate for standard time.
States seeking to change the daylight saving time
Over the last six years, at least 20 states have proposed laws to modify the application of daylight saving time. Some seek to keep it throughout the year, while others prefer to eliminate it. Among the states that have passed legislation in favor of permanent daylight saving time are, however, without congressional approval, these changes cannot yet be implemented:
- Oregon
- Washington
- Idaho
- Montana
- Wyoming
- Utah
- Colorado
- Tennessee
- Louisiana
- Alabama
- Maine
- Florida
- South Carolina
- Oklahoma
- Minnesota
- Illinois
- Ohio
- Kentucky
- Mississippi
- Georgia
On the other hand, Hawaii and most of Arizona have chosen not to observe daylight saving time. In the case of Hawaii, its tropical location provides it with a stable amount of sunlight throughout the year. In Arizona, the decision was made in 1968 to prevent extreme afternoon temperatures from extending longer. However, the Navajo Nation, which spans Arizona, Utah and New Mexico, does observe daylight saving time to maintain consistency in its communities.
A definitive change on the horizon?
The Sun Protection Act, which aims to do away with biannual changes, was reintroduced in Congress in 2023. In 2019, President Donald Trump backed the proposal to make daylight saving time permanent. Americans will have to go back in time on March 9th, though, as the legislation has not yet been passed. The future of daylight saving time in the United States is still up for debate.
For the moment we just have to wait and see if we really will see this change in Daylight Saving Time, but what is certain is that there are many Americans who are looking for this definitive change in their daylight saving.