Could Daylight Saving Time Ever Be Permanent? Here’s Where It Stands in the U.S.
With clocks soon to "fall back" for daylight saving time (DST), the long-standing debate over whether to make DST permanent has been reignited across the United States. Advocates argue that maintaining daylight saving time year-round would improve safety, boost mental health, and simplify schedules, while opponents point to the potential health impacts and unintended consequences. Here’s a look at the current status of permanent DST efforts and where various states stand.
The Push for Permanent Daylight Saving Time
In recent years, there’s been a notable shift in public opinion favoring the idea of permanent DST. Many Americans feel that adjusting clocks twice a year disrupts routines and affects well-being, prompting some lawmakers to advocate for eliminating the time change altogether. The concept of staying on DST year-round has gained bipartisan support, with lawmakers pointing to potential benefits like increased daylight during evening hours, energy savings, and a reduction in traffic accidents.
Federal Legislation and the “Sunshine Protection Act”
In 2022, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the “Sunshine Protection Act,” a bill that would make DST permanent nationwide. However, the measure stalled in the House of Representatives, where opinions diverged over possible impacts on health and work schedules. The bill’s supporters hope that further advocacy and public backing could revive it, but the path forward remains uncertain. Current federal law, passed under the Uniform Time Act of 1966, allows states to opt out of DST and remain on standard time but does not permit states to adopt permanent DST without congressional approval.
State-Level Efforts to End Clock Changes
Although federal approval is necessary for permanent DST, many states are taking steps to prepare. Over 20 states have enacted or proposed legislation to observe daylight saving time year-round if Congress gives the green light. Here are some notable examples:
- Florida: In 2018, Florida passed a law to make DST permanent, but it cannot go into effect without federal approval. This push has been widely supported within the state, which sees the potential economic and tourism benefits of more daylight.
- California: In 2018, California voters approved a proposition to consider permanent DST. While the state legislature has yet to finalize the details, public opinion favors the change, especially in the wake of recent health research.
- Washington: Washington State has similarly passed a bill supporting permanent DST, awaiting congressional action. Along with other West Coast states like Oregon, Washington wants to align its time zone year-round to improve cross-border commerce and travel.
The Health Debate
While many appreciate the idea of longer evenings, some health experts caution against permanent DST, arguing that standard time more closely aligns with human circadian rhythms. Research indicates that year-round daylight saving time could disrupt sleep patterns, potentially increasing the risk of issues like obesity, heart disease, and mood disorders. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has even recommended sticking with standard time instead of DST to better support health and wellness.
Public Sentiment and Potential Impacts
Surveys show that a majority of Americans favor doing away with the biannual time change, though opinion is split on whether to stay on standard time or DST. Supporters of permanent DST point to benefits such as extended daylight in the evening, which they argue could lead to more physical activity and improve mental health, while critics believe it could lead to darker mornings, particularly in winter, posing safety risks for students and commuters.
What’s Next?
As the “fall back” transition approaches, the question remains: could this be one of the last daylight saving time shifts Americans experience? While federal momentum has slowed, public and state-level interest in eliminating the time change remains strong, making it possible that permanent daylight saving time could become a reality if Congress revisits the issue.
For now, Americans will continue adjusting their clocks twice a year, but the idea of a permanent daylight saving time remains a topic of widespread debate—and one that may see progress in the coming years.