The United States practises Daylight Savings Time (DST) to take advantage of natural light in the warmer months. During this period, the clock is moved forward by an hour in the spring and back in the fall. However, in recent times, there have been debates about doing away with DST. This article delves into the different dynamics of DST.
What is the Purpose of Daylight Saving Time?
Daylight Saving Time was introduced to reduce the use of artificial lighting in the evening. Although the exact dates of its introduction remain unknown, some estimate it to have happened between 1784 and 1907 due to Benjamin Franklin’s essay and British builder William Willet’s pamphlets. However, this system wasn’t adopted until the World War I and World War II to save fuel.
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How Does DST Work?
In 2025, DST will start on the second Sunday, March 9, and the fallback will be November 2. This means that people will have a later sunrise and sunset. This change will happen at 2 am on both occasions. This period lasts for 34 weeks, 238 days annually.
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Which States Observe DST?
All states observe DST apart from Arizona and Hawaii. Additionally, the American territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands do not also observe it.
- Arizona’s decision to not observe DST is down to them realizing it wasn’t good, particularly during the hottest months of the year.
- As for Hawaii, it doesn’t follow DST because it’s near the equator, hence the amount of sunlight doesn’t vary.
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The Debate Over Daylight Saving Time
Even though the practice of DST has existed since the World Wars, there has been a lot of debate as to whether it should continue. The argument states that DST interferes with sleeping patterns, and switching to permanent daylight time would reduce the crime rate, improve health and conserve energy.
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In 2022, the U.S. Senate passed the Sunshine Protection Act, which aimed to keep DST year-round, but it has not yet been enacted into law. Until changes are made, Americans will continue adjusting their clocks twice a year.
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Conclusion
Daylight Saving Time remains a widely debated practice in the United States, with proponents highlighting its benefits for energy conservation and outdoor activities, while critics argue it disrupts sleep and has limited advantages. While most states continue to observe the time change, discussions about making DST permanent or abolishing it altogether persist. Until a nationwide decision is made, Americans will continue to adjust their clocks twice a year, navigating the benefits and drawbacks that come with the shift in daylight hours.
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