Daylight-Saving Time (DST) in 2025 will begin on Sunday, March 9. Clocks will be set forward one hour from 2:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. local time, allowing for extended daylight in the evening hours.
Permanent Daylight-Saving Time?
Despite ongoing discussions, federal action is required for any permanent changes to DST. While several states have passed bills to establish year-round daylight-saving time, changes cannot take effect unless Congress amends the Uniform Time Act. Until then, the biannual time changes will continue.
According to The Arizona Republic, debates over abolishing the time change persist. Some public figures such as President Donald Trump and Elon Musk have expressed support for eliminating the semiannual clock changes. However, any permanent modification requires congressional approval.
States Considering Eliminating Daylight Saving Time
At least 30 states have introduced legislation related to daylight saving time. Some aim to eliminate it, while others propose making it permanent.
- Alaska
- California
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Washington
Permanent Daylight-Saving Time?
Some argue that keeping daylight saving time year-round would have multiple benefits:
- Boosts the Economy: More daylight in the evening encourages spending on shopping, dining, and other activities.
- Reduces Crime: Studies suggest that later daylight hours correlate with lower crime rates.
- Potential Health Benefits: Eliminating clock changes could improve circadian rhythms, reducing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, obesity, anxiety, and depression.
- Eliminates an Outdated Practice: The original goal of DST—saving electricity—has become less relevant with modern energy-efficient lighting.
Several lawmakers have pushed for a permanent daylight-saving time. Senator Ed Markey, a Massachusetts Democrat, has co-sponsored a bipartisan bill to eliminate seasonal clock changes.
