The Debate Over Adopting Year-Round Daylight Saving Time

White analog clock with blurred green background

Senators reintroduce the Sunshine Protection Act, aiming to make daylight saving time permanent, sparking a heated debate over health and lifestyle impacts.

At a Glance

  • Bipartisan group of senators reintroduces the Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time permanent
  • Bill aims to eliminate semi-annual clock changes and provide more evening daylight
  • Health experts and sleep organizations oppose the move, advocating for permanent standard time
  • Debate centers on potential benefits versus health risks of permanent daylight saving time
  • Legislation passed Senate unanimously in 2022 but stalled in the House

Senators Push for Permanent Daylight Saving Time

A bipartisan group of senators, led by Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), has reintroduced the Sunshine Protection Act, a bill aimed at making daylight saving time permanent year-round. The legislation, which has gained support from both sides of the aisle, seeks to end the practice of changing clocks twice a year, a custom that many Americans find disruptive and outdated.

The proposed bill would result in later sunrises and sunsets during winter months, eliminating the need to turn clocks back in the fall. Supporters argue that this change would provide more evening sunlight, potentially boosting outdoor activities, improving public health, and benefiting the economy.

Bipartisan Support and Previous Attempts

The Sunshine Protection Act has garnered support from several senators, including Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), and Rand Paul (R-Ky.). This isn’t the first time such legislation has been introduced; the Senate unanimously passed a similar bill in the 117th Congress, but it stalled in the House.

“I hear from Americans constantly that they are sick and tired of changing their clocks twice a year – it’s an unnecessary, decades-old practice that’s more of an annoyance to families than benefit to them. I’m excited to have President Trump back in the White House and fully on board to LOCK THE CLOCK so we can get this good bill passed and make this common-sense change that will simplify and benefit the lives of American families,” wrote Sen. Scott in a statement.

Senator Scott previously signed legislation as Governor of Florida to exempt the state from time changes, pending federal approval. The current bill would allow states the option to permanently adopt Daylight Saving Time, potentially simplifying lives and boosting mental well-being by providing more daylight in the evenings.

Health Concerns and Opposition

Despite the enthusiasm from some lawmakers, the proposal faces opposition from health experts and sleep organizations. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) argues that standard time is better for health and safety, aligning more closely with natural circadian rhythms.

“Permanent, year-round standard time is the best choice to most closely match our circadian sleep-wake cycle. Daylight saving time results in more darkness in the morning and more light in the evening, disrupting the body’s natural rhythm,” said Dr. M. Adeel Rishi.

AASM cites research indicating health risks associated with daylight saving time, such as increased strokes, hospital admissions, and traffic fatalities. They also highlight the negative impacts of twice-yearly clock changes, including sleep disruptions and mood disturbances.

Economic and Lifestyle Considerations

Proponents of the bill, including Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), emphasize the potential economic and lifestyle benefits of permanent daylight saving time. They argue that more evening daylight could lead to increased consumer spending, reduced energy consumption, and improved public safety.

“The head-spinning ritual of falling back and springing forward has a very real impact on our economy, our health, and our happiness. Let’s say goodbye to 4pm winter sunsets and pass the Sunshine Protection Act for permanent Daylight Saving Time — permanently springing forward for brighter evenings year-round,” said Sen. Markey in a statement.

The golf industry, for instance, supports permanent Daylight Saving Time for lighter evenings, which could boost participation in outdoor activities. However, some lawmakers, like Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), have expressed concerns about potential safety issues, particularly during winter mornings when children might be traveling to school in darkness.

As the debate continues, Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.) is leading the House version of the bill, which is expected to be discussed in a House Committee on Energy and Commerce hearing. The outcome of this legislation could have far-reaching impacts on the daily lives of Americans, making it a topic of national interest and ongoing discussion.