Daylight Saving Time 2024: Debate Over ‘Spring Forward’ & Permanent Change

States Weigh Ending Twice-Yearly Clock Changes as Daylight Saving Time Begins

As most of the U.S. “springs forward” at 2:00 a.m. Sunday, shifting clocks ahead one hour for Daylight Saving Time, a growing number of states are considering measures to end the practice of changing clocks twice a year. Whereas polls indicate widespread dissatisfaction with the current system, the path to a permanent solution remains complex, with deep divisions over whether to adopt permanent Daylight Saving Time or permanent standard time. The debate centers on impacts to sleep, health and daily routines, with no easy answers for a nation accustomed to biannual clock adjustments.

A History of Tinkering with Time

The U.S. Has a long history of experimenting with time adjustments, dating back to the standardization of time zones by railroads in 1883. The country has intermittently used Daylight Saving Time, with a significant period during World War II and a brief, unpopular attempt in 1974. Currently, about half of the world’s countries observe Daylight Saving Time at some point, though the number actively doing so is decreasing. The current schedule, established by the Energy Policy Act of 2005, begins DST on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November.

The Divided Landscape: Permanent DST vs. Permanent Standard Time

The core of the debate lies in choosing between two alternatives: making Daylight Saving Time permanent or adopting permanent standard time. A recent AP-NORC poll found that about 1 in 10 U.S. Adults favor the current system of changing clocks, with roughly half opposing it. Among those who dislike the current system, most Americans lean towards permanent Daylight Saving Time.

However, sleep experts largely advocate for permanent standard time. Karin Johnson, of Save Standard Time, argues that morning light is crucial for regulating circadian rhythms and promoting better health. Kenneth Wright, from the University of Colorado, points to increased risks of vehicle crashes, heart attacks, and strokes following the spring forward time change.

State-Level Efforts and Congressional Roadblocks

Since 2018, 19 states have passed legislation to adopt permanent Daylight Saving Time, but these laws are contingent on federal approval. Congress would need to pass a law allowing states to opt into year-round DST. The Senate passed a bill in 2022 to do just that, but a similar measure has stalled in the House of Representatives.

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Alabama) has repeatedly introduced bills to make Daylight Saving Time permanent, but faces opposition from industries like airlines, which are concerned about scheduling complexities. Other lawmakers, like U.S. Rep. Greg Steube (R-Florida), have proposed alternative solutions, such as a 30-minute shift, though the feasibility of such a change remains unclear.

Confirmed vs. Unclear: The Current Status of State Legislation

Currently, Arizona (with the exception of the Navajo Nation) and Hawaii are the only states that do not observe Daylight Saving Time. Several states have recently considered bills to switch to permanent standard time, including Virginia, but progress has been slow. Virginia’s House committee recently recommended postponing consideration of the issue until 2027. Many of these state-level bills include provisions requiring neighboring states to likewise make the change, creating a regional coordination challenge. Details were not provided on the specific concerns of the golf industry, which opposes permanent standard time.

How the Process Works: From State Law to Federal Action

The process for ending clock changes involves a multi-layered approach. States can pass legislation expressing their intent to adopt either permanent Daylight Saving Time or permanent standard time. However, these laws are largely symbolic until Congress acts. Federal law currently preempts states from independently adopting permanent Daylight Saving Time. For a state law to take effect, Congress must either authorize states to make the change or pass a national law establishing a uniform time standard. The process requires navigating competing interests and reaching a consensus on the best path forward.

What Happens Next?

The future of Daylight Saving Time remains uncertain. While momentum for change is building, significant hurdles remain. The House of Representatives must decide whether to take up the Senate-passed bill, and lawmakers will need to address concerns from various industries, and stakeholders. Scott Yates, of Lock the Clock, advocates for a two-year deadline for states to choose a permanent time, but the likelihood of such a timeline being adopted is unclear. For now, Americans will continue to adjust their clocks twice a year, and the debate over the best way to manage time will continue.

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Associated Press writer David A. Lieb in Jefferson City, Missouri, contributed.