The debate over daylight saving time in the United States is becoming increasingly relevant as the date for moving the clocks forward approaches.
Every year, millions of people must adjust their schedules to accommodate the change, sparking debate about its applicability and efficacy in today’s world.
Even though its original goals were to conserve energy and maximize the use of sunlight, many people question whether these benefits are still valid in today’s world.
Because of its negative effects on productivity and health, some states are working to permanently implement daylight saving time, while others are attempting to eliminate it entirely.
Nonetheless, federal law prohibits states from acting unilaterally without the consent of Congress. Because of this limitation, legislation is stalled, and local plans cannot be implemented without the federal government’s support.
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?
To take advantage of the extra hours of sunlight, daylight saving time requires moving the clocks one hour forward in the spring and backward in the fall.
During World War I, the United States implemented it as an energy-saving measure. Later, in 1966, the Uniform Time Act standardized its application across the nation.
Despite its original intent, many people now question its efficacy. Several studies have found that the energy savings are minimal, while the negative effects on sleep and health are severe.
According to a 2021 survey, 75% of Americans oppose the daylight saving time changes, with opinions divided between those who favor permanent daylight saving time and those who support standard time.
States seeking to change the daylight saving time
Over the last six years, at least 20 states have proposed legislation to alter the implementation of daylight saving time. Some prefer to keep it throughout the year, while others prefer to remove it.
Among the states that have passed legislation in favor of permanent daylight saving time, but 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 seeks to eliminate biannual changes, was reintroduced in Congress in 2023. In 2019, President Donald Trump supported a proposal to make daylight saving time permanent.
Americans will have to go back in time on March 9th, however, because the legislation has not yet been passed. The future of daylight saving time in the United States is still being debated.
For the time being, we will have to wait and see if this change in Daylight Saving Time occurs, but one thing is certain: many Americans are looking for this definitive change in their daylight saving.
