Permanent time observation in the United States

Prior to the introduction of DST, all American states observed permanent Standard Time. Presently, Arizona (with the exception of the Navajo Nation), Hawaii, and all US territories observe permanent Standard Time. A number of states have proposed bills to restore observation of permanent standard time, but few have yet to gain ground.[3][4][5]

Permanent standard time is considered by circadian health researchers worldwide to be the best option for health, safety, schools, and economy.[6][7][8][9][10] They warn that the human body "never adjusts"[10] to DST, and that permanent observation of DST would result in "permanent social jet lag".[7] Experts such as Dr. Till Roenneberg argue that evidence from extreme edges of time zones, extensions of DST, and permanent observation of DST demonstrate this phenomenon "significantly"[9] increases rates of disease and accidents, and lowers productivity and wages.[11] Permanent standard time is supported by advocates for school children, both for the health benefits of circadian alignment, and for the safety advantages regarding morning commutes.[12][13][14] Permanent standard time is supported by certain religious communities, such as Orthodox Jews, whose daily prayers and other customs are synchronized with times of sunrise and sunset.[15][16][17] Permanent standard time is supported by environmental advocates, owing to evidence that DST observation increases driving, morning heating, and evening air conditioning, which all in turn increase energy consumption and pollution.[18][19] In August 2020, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine provided a statement on why they oppose permanent daylight standard time and favor permanent standard time.[20]

A change in federal law would be necessary to allow states to observe DST permanently all year. A number of states have pursued state bills, resolutions, and referenda to indicate intention to observe permanent DST if federal law would permit it.

As a work-around to the Uniform Time Act's prohibition on permanent DST, a bloc of states in New England has proposed a statutory move from the Eastern Time Zone to the Atlantic Time Zone (Atlantic Time being one hour ahead of Eastern Time), and then abolishing biannual clock changes. If approved by the Department of Transportation, such a move would effectively put these states on permanent DST without needing to await amendment to the Uniform Time Act by Congress. Similarly, on the West Coast, Washington state passed both a bill for permanent DST (which again cannot be enacted without change to federal law by Congress) and an alternative bill to move the state's official observation from the Pacific Time Zone to the Mountain Time Zone.[21]

In 2019, Florida Republican Senator Marco Rubio introduced to Congress the "Sunshine Protection Act", a bill to permit states to observe permanent DST. The bill was referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, where it has yet to receive a hearing.[22]

Seasonal observation of DST was first enacted in the US during World Wars I and II, as an attempt conserve fuel. The practice was unpopular and promptly repealed after each war; however, lobbyists from the petroleum industry lobbied to restore DST, as they had noticed it actually increased fuel consumption. Petroleum lobbyists joined with lobbyists from golf and candy corporations in the 1980s to form the National Daylight Saving Time Coalition, and they have twice since succeeded in extending the length of DST's observation from six months to seven in 1986, and again to eight months in 2005.[1][15][18][23][24] The observation of DST has also been found to increase residential energy costs and pollution costs by several million dollars per year.[25]

Permanent DST in the US was briefly enacted by President Nixon in 1974, in response to the 1973 oil crisis. The proposal was initially supported by an estimated 79% of the public; that support dropped to 42% after its first winter, owing to the harshness of dark winter mornings that permanent DST creates. An estimated six school children were also killed by motorists due to the new law. The new permanent DST law was retracted within the year.[1][2][26][27] Medical experts for years have been citing health risks associated with the "Spring Forward", including Dr. Daliah Wachs and Dr. Paul Kalekas, and in a petition, they took the temperature of what society would want in terms of ending the time change, and close to 200,000 signed asking for an end to biannual time changes. They and other physicians are supporting the #SickofSpringForward and #FinishedWithFallBack campaign. [28] [29]

• Daylight saving time by country
• List of time offsets by U.S. state and territory
• Standard Time Act
• Universal Time
• Winter time (clock lag)

• Daylight Saving Time | State Legislation from the National Conference of State Legislatures
• Sunshine Protection Act of 2019