Daylight saving time is just around the corner, with clocks set to spring forward one hour on Sunday, March 9, 2025. After months of dark winter evenings, Americans will gain extra daylight at the end of the day, but they will also sacrifice one hour of sleep for this benefit. This twice-yearly ritual of changing clocks remains contentious, with renewed discussions about making daylight saving time permanent.
Daylight saving time, which has become federal law since the passage of the Uniform Time Act of 1966, was initially enacted on March 19, 1918. The change was intended to conserve fuel during World War I by extending daylight hours. President Woodrow Wilson endorsed this measure, and it helped establish standard time zones across the country. Currently, daylight saving time runs from the second Sunday of March to the first Sunday of November. For 2025, this means Americans will spring forward on March 9 and fall back on November 2.
Over the years, ending the clock-switching has built support among various political leaders. Senator Ed Markey, who has been vocal about making daylight saving time permanent, has co-sponsored the "Sunshine Protection Act." He argued passionately about the benefits of daylight saving time, stating, "When we ‘fall back’ and lose the extra hour of daylight saving time... we are sacrificing energy savings, crime reduction, and economic benefits for darkness." His sentiments are echoed by many who wish to put the clock switch to rest once and for all.
Originally proposed by Senator Marco Rubio, the Sunshine Protection Act passed the Senate by unanimous consent but ran out of steam in the House of Representatives. The last movement on this initiative came back in 2023, with no progress since then, indicating it would need to be re-introduced to Congress. Meanwhile, numerous states have explored similar legislation since 2015, aiming for permanent daylight saving time or even abolishing the time adjustments altogether.
Surprisingly, Hawaii and Arizona are the only two U.S. states to opt out of daylight saving time altogether, choosing instead to remain on standard time year-round. Their motivations stem from practical concerns, with the hot Arizona sun leading state legislators to decide they did not want the additional hour of daylight beating down during their sizzling summer months. For the Navajo Nation, which spans Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico, they acknowledge daylight saving time and observe the clock changes, making them the only group within Arizona to do so.
Despite these trends, the clock change is not set to disappear just yet. Just last year, President Donald Trump voiced his intent to eliminate daylight saving time, calling it "inconvenient and very costly to our Nation" on his social media platform. He mentioned, "The Republican Party will use its best efforts to eliminate daylight saving time, which has a small but strong constituency, but shouldn’t!" This rhetoric indicates he sees daylight saving time as running counter to practical living—not to mention the potential confusion it brings.
It remains to be seen whether this year will lead to momentum for legislative change. With over 30 states grappling with the concept of permanently abolishing daylight changes, the debate over daylight saving time continues to rattle through Congress. While many Americans anticipate the biannual clock switch, others are left wondering if the sun will shine unimpeded for longer stretches throughout the year.
Advocates for change argue the positive impacts of consistent daylight saving time: increased sunlight hours typically lead to more outdoor activities, reduced energy consumption, and improved economic benefits. Markey has pointed to substantial savings, noting, “I’ve fought and won to extend daylight saving time—adding two months’ worth of sun to the American people’s calendar, which saves the same amount of electricity as used by over 100,000 households for an entire year.” This statement reflected proponents' long-standing claims of positive impacts.
Yet, widespread public sentiment varies. While some appear enthusiastic about the longer daylight hours, others are pragmatic about their current biannual clock management. These sentiments are hinted at by the many petitions and public opinions surrounding the faux pas of changing the clocks. For now, the most pressing task remains clear: mark March 9 on your calendars for the impending fascination of springing forward, and don't forget to check and set those clocks correctly.
Daylight saving time has proven controversial since its inception, but it continues to be regarded as necessary for many. This highlights just how catering to both the need for illuminated afternoons and the comfort of morning routines is no small task. While changes are proposed and discussed, the rhythms of daylight saving time will guide many through the near future as the debate continues. Whatever the outcome, millions will adjust to the upcoming change. Until then, enjoy the gradual lengthening of days as we inch closer to spring.