Op Ed: Make Daylight Savings Time Permanent
Daylight Saving Time is the practice of setting the clock forward by one hour during the summer months in order to extend evening daylight. While it was first implemented during World War I as a way to conserve energy, today, many people argue that it is no longer necessary and that we should have just Daylight Saving Time.
From Wikipedia– Daylight saving time (DST), also referred to as daylight savings time or simply daylight time (United States, Canada, and Australia), and summer time (United Kingdom, European Union, and others), is the practice of advancing clocks (typically by one hour) during warmer months so that darkness falls at a later clock time. The typical implementation of DST is to set clocks forward by one hour in the spring (“spring forward”), and to set clocks back by one hour in the fall (“fall back”) to return to standard time. As a result, there is one 23-hour day in early spring and one 25-hour day in the middle of autumn
One of the main arguments in favor of getting rid of standard time and just having DST is that it would increase safety. During the dark winter months, many accidents occur due to the lack of daylight, especially during the early morning and late evening when many people are commuting to and from work. By having more daylight during these times, the number of accidents would decrease, making our roads safer for everyone.
Another argument in favor of just Daylight Savings Time is that it would have a positive impact on the economy. With more daylight in the evenings, people would be more likely to go out and do things, leading to an increase in consumer spending. This could also lead to an increase in tourism, as more people would be inclined to travel and explore during the longer evenings.
Additionally, having just Daylight Savings Time would also have a positive impact on the environment. With more daylight in the evenings, people would be less likely to use artificial lighting, leading to a reduction in energy consumption. This would not only save money on energy bills but also reduce the environmental impact of producing and using electricity.
Lastly, having just “DST” would be simpler and more convenient. Many people find it confusing and disruptive to have to change their clocks twice a year, and it can be particularly difficult for those with medical conditions, such as dementia, to adjust to the time change. By having just DST, it would eliminate this confusion and make it easier for everyone to keep track of time.
In conclusion, there are many reasons why we should have just Daylight Savings Time. It would increase safety, have a positive impact on the economy, benefit the environment, and be more convenient for everyone. It’s time for society to consider adopting DST as the standard time permanently.
From Wikipedia- 2015–2022: Proposals for the introduction of year-round DST
A movement has been organized in support of the legalization of using daylight saving time as the year-round clock option.[39] Bills to end DST, and bills to make it permanent, have been introduced in more than 30 states.[40]
The main argument for introducing year-round DST is that the lifestyles and work patterns of modern-day citizens are no longer compatible with the concept of shifting the clock every spring and fall. Supporters also argue that switching to ”Forward Time” would also result in saving energy by reducing the need for artificial light.[41] The Sunshine Protection Act of 2019 was introduced in the Senate by Senator Marco Rubio (R) of Florida to make the times used for DST standard time and abolish DST. It had bipartisan support from senators from Washington and Tennessee, but it had not received a hearing in the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation committee.[42][40][43]
In 2015, the Nevada Senate passed Nevada Assembly Joint Resolution 4,[44] which urged Congress to enact legislation allowing individual states to establish daylight saving time as the standard time in their respective states throughout the calendar year. This would mean that Nevada is on the same time as Arizona all year, but would be an hour ahead of California in the winter.[45] The United States Congress has not yet enacted any enabling legislation in this regard.
In 2018, the Florida Senate approved the Sunshine Protection Act which would put Florida on permanent daylight saving time year round, and Governor Rick Scott signed it March 23. Congress would need to amend the existing 1966 federal law to allow the change.[46]
In 2018, voters in California ratified a legislative plan which would allow for year-round daylight saving time to be enacted.[47] However, it still requires the vote of two-thirds of the state’s legislature and the approval of Congress.[48]
In 2019, the Washington State Legislature passed Substitute House Bill 1196,[49] which would establish year-round observation of daylight saving time contingent on the United States Congress amending federal law to authorize states to observe daylight saving time year-round. The bill passed,[50] and was followed by proposed 2021 ballot initiative 1803, “Abolish Daylight Saving Time in Washington state” to petition the U.S. Congress to authorize the change.[51]
Tennessee and Oregon also passed bills in 2019 for year-round DST,[52][53] and legislative houses in Alabama and Arkansas also approved resolutions in favor.[54][55]
Georgia governor Brian P. Kemp signed Senate Bill 100 providing for year-round daylight saving time when the United States Congress amends 15 U.S.C. Section 260a to authorize states to observe daylight saving time year round.[56]
In 2022, the United States Senate passed a bill to make Daylight Saving Time permanent. If enacted, this bill would take effect starting in November 2023.[57] The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has opposed the Sunshine Protection Act and called instead for permanent standard time, a position supported by the American College of Chest Physicians , among others.[58]
It’s time to make Daylight Savings Time permanent! We welcome your opinion. Email to info@suncoastpost.com
Photo from Deposit Photos