Daylight Saving Time Ends: Why Americans Are Pushing to Abolish the Clock Change

Daylight Saving Time Ends

This Sunday, many Americans will "fall back," adjusting their clocks an hour earlier as daylight saving time (DST) ends. While this change allows for an extra hour of sleep, it also results in shorter evenings, reigniting discussions about the necessity of the clock-changing practice. The debate around DST has persisted for years, with varying opinions on whether to maintain the status quo, adopt permanent daylight saving time, or transition to year-round standard time.

Currently, nearly all U.S. states observe DST, but federal law prevents states from unilaterally adopting permanent daylight saving time without Congressional approval. Senator Marco Rubio has been a prominent advocate for making DST permanent nationwide through his Sunshine Protection Act, which passed the Senate in 2022 but has yet to advance in the House of Representatives. He argues that eliminating clock changes would end an "antiquated" practice that disrupts daily life.

Polling data shows that a significant portion of Americans favor changes to the current system. Approximately 43% prefer year-round standard time, while 32% support permanent daylight saving time. Despite this public sentiment, the biannual clock changes continue, causing many to experience the health and safety repercussions associated with disrupted circadian rhythms.

In response to the desire for change, several states have taken legislative action to adopt permanent daylight saving time, pending federal approval. Oklahoma recently passed such a measure, joining nineteen other states like Colorado, Florida, and Georgia in expressing their intent to make the switch if permitted. Some states, like California, have even linked their decisions to neighboring states to ensure a coordinated approach.

Contrarily, Arizona and Hawaii have opted out of clock changes entirely, maintaining standard time year-round. Advocates for eliminating time shifts highlight potential benefits such as increased outdoor activity and energy savings, but experts caution that the health risks associated with DST—such as heightened rates of heart attacks and accidents—may outweigh these advantages.

Historically, the U.S. has experimented with year-round daylight saving time during World War II, known as "War Time," which was ultimately unpopular and abandoned. As this weekend approaches, many Americans will grapple with the implications of time changes, while some states remain hopeful for a legislative shift toward permanent daylight saving or standard time in the future.

Daylight Saving Time Ends: Why Americans Are Pushing to Abolish the Clock Change