Every year when it’s time to move clocks forward an hour, the debate over Daylight Saving Time (DST) in the US rages on. Millions of people are forced to change their routine, raising questions about its relevance and effectiveness. The system was originally implemented to save energy and make maximum use of sunlight, but is it really necessary in modern times?
Today, many experts believe that Daylight Saving Time has a negative impact on productivity and health. That’s why some states want to implement it permanently, while others are in favor of abolishing it completely. However, due to federal law, no state can change it at will. Congressional approval is necessary for this, due to which the matter has been stuck for a long time.
History and Objectives of Daylight Saving Time
Daylight Saving Time was started in the US during World War I with the aim of saving energy. After this, it was standardized across the country in 1966 under the Uniform Time Act.
However, today there is a debate about its advantages and disadvantages. Many studies have shown that the energy savings from this are negligible, but it has serious effects on health and sleep. A survey conducted in 2021 found that 75% of Americans are against daylight saving time. However, some of these people are in favor of implementing it permanently, while others want to abolish it completely.
Which states want changes to daylight saving time?
In the past six years, at least 20 states have passed legislation to change DST. Some want to implement it all year round, while others are in favor of abolishing it completely. However, without the approval of Congress, these changes cannot be implemented.
Below is a list of states that have passed legislation in favor of permanent daylight saving time:
- Oregon
- Washington
- Idaho
- Montana
- Wyoming
- Utah
- Colorado
- Tennessee
- Louisiana
- Alabama
- Maine
- Florida
- South Carolina
- Oklahoma
- Minnesota
- Illinois
- Ohio
- Kentucky
- Mississippi
- Georgia
Which states do not observe daylight saving time?
Hawaii and Arizona already do not observe daylight saving time.
- Hawaii: It is located in the tropical zone, where the length of day and night is about the same throughout the year.
- Arizona: It was decided in 1968 to end daylight saving time to prevent extreme summer temperatures from becoming longer. However, the Navajo Nation, which stretches across Arizona, Utah and New Mexico, enforces this rule to maintain uniformity across all their communities.
Can Daylight Saving Time Change?
The ‘Sun Protection Act‘ was reintroduced in Congress in 2023. It aims to end the half-yearly time change. Earlier in 2019, then-President Donald Trump supported a proposal to make daylight saving time permanent.
However, this law has not yet been passed, so clocks will have to be moved forward again on March 9, 2025. The debate on this subject is still going on and the future of daylight saving time in the US remains uncertain.
Conclusion
The issue of daylight saving time is not just about energy savings, but is also related to people’s health, productivity and lifestyle. Many states want to implement it permanently, while many are in favor of abolishing it completely.
For now, Americans will have to go through the process of moving the clocks back and forth every year. But will there be any major changes to this system in the near future? That remains to be seen.
FAQs
Q. What is Daylight Saving Time (DST)?
A. Daylight Saving Time is the practice of setting clocks forward by one hour in spring and back by one hour in fall to make better use of daylight.
Q. Why do some states want to end Daylight Saving Time?
A. Many states argue that DST disrupts sleep, affects health, and has minimal energy-saving benefits.
Q. Which states do not observe Daylight Saving Time?
A. Hawaii and most of Arizona do not observe DST due to their stable daylight hours and climate conditions.
Q. Can states independently eliminate or make DST permanent?
A. No, federal law requires congressional approval before states can make permanent changes to DST.
Q. Is there a law to end the biannual clock change?
A. Yes, the “Sunshine Protection Act” has been proposed to make DST permanent, but it has not yet been passed.