Most Americans Want to Stop Changing the Clocks. Here’s Why Senators Are Hesitating
Currently, federal law allows states to forgo Daylight Saving Time and stay in Standard Time throughout the year; Hawaii and most of Arizona have chosen to do so. States aren’t allowed, though, to observe Daylight Saving Time permanently.
The legislation that passed the lower chamber over the summer, called the Sunshine Protection Act, would change that.
If the bill succeeds in the Senate and is signed into law by the President, it would make Daylight Saving Time permanent nationwide—though it would allow states to opt out if they choose.
Why are some senators supporting permanent Daylight Saving Time?
Senators who have expressed support for making Daylight Saving Time year-round in the past have argued that most Americans dislike the biannual clock changes, calling the practice “antiquated.”
They have also pointed out that remaining in Daylight Saving Time permanently would mean that the sun would appear to set later throughout the year, rather than just in the summer, which, they claim, would encourage people to engage in more outdoor activity.
