FOLLOW US

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• Eliminates an Outdated Practice: The original goal of DST—saving electricity—has become less relevant with modern energy-efficient lighting.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.

“The head-spinning ritual of falling back and springing forward has gone on long enough,” Markey stated.

In 2022, the Senate unanimously passed the measure, but it failed in the House, and the chances of it becoming law remain uncertain.

Year-Round Standard Time?

Others argue that year-round standard time would be better for public health and safety:

• More Morning Light: Lighter mornings help regulate circadian rhythms, improving sleep and mood.

• Safer Morning Commutes: More daylight during morning hours could reduce traffic accidents.

• Health Benefits: Some experts believe standard time better aligns with the body's natural clock, reducing the risk of health issues linked to disrupted sleep patterns.

However, permanent standard time would mean earlier sunsets, with some areas seeing darkness before 8 p.m. for much of the year.

A Compromise?

While many Americans want change, others prefer keeping the current system, which splits the year between daylight saving time and standard time.

• Balanced Sunlight Hours: This system prevents extreme sunrise and sunset times in both summer and winter.

• Adjusting Sleep Patterns: Some argue that adjusting clocks twice a year helps reset sleep habits.

• Limited Disruptions: While the time change can be inconvenient, most people adjust within a few days.

Where the U.S. Stands Now

A few regions have already made their choice. Hawaii, most of Arizona, and U.S. territories like Puerto Rico and Guam have permanent standard time year-round.

Meanwhile, other states continue to debate whether to switch permanently to daylight saving time or eliminate the time changes altogether.

As discussions continue, Americans remain divided on whether daylight saving time should be extended, eliminated, or kept as it is.