Every year, most of the United States observes Daylight Saving Time (DST) by adjusting clocks forward in the spring and backward in the fall. This practice, which has been in place for over 50 years, often sparks questions about its necessity and continuation.
The core idea behind DST, as highlighted by USA Facts, is to make better use of daylight by shifting an hour of natural light from the morning to the evening. However, this tradition is frequently debated in state legislatures and Congress, with many states considering or having already passed laws to make DST or standard time permanent.
The Sunshine Protection Act, first proposed in 2018, aims to make Daylight Saving Time permanent nationwide. Although it passed the Senate in 2021, it did not advance in the House. The reintroduction of the bill in 2025 indicates that this issue remains a significant topic in Washington D.C.
In 2025, Daylight Saving Time began on March 9th and is scheduled to conclude on November 2nd, according to USA Facts.
The Origins of Daylight Saving Time:
Daylight Saving Time was initially implemented in the United States during World War I as a measure to conserve fuel. Many European nations had already adopted similar practices to save electricity by maximizing daylight hours.
On March 19, 1918, President Woodrow Wilson signed the Standard Time Act into law. This act established five official time zones across the country and formally introduced Daylight Saving Time, which commenced on March 31, 1918. However, this change was met with resistance from farmers, whose work is dictated by sunlight rather than clock time. DST found more favor in urban areas, where extended evening daylight benefited businesses and social activities.
Standardization of Daylight Saving Time in the US:
Following World War I, the United States ceased observing Daylight Saving Time at the federal level, although individual states retained the option to continue the practice.
The modern framework for DST was established with the Uniform Time Act of 1966, which standardized the biannual clock changes across states. Today, while most of the US adheres to DST, exceptions include parts of Arizona and Hawaii, which observe standard time year-round. The discussion surrounding the permanence of Daylight Saving Time persists, over a century after its initial implementation.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Why does Daylight Saving Time exist?
Daylight Saving Time was introduced to optimize the use of daylight by shifting an hour of sunlight from the morning to the evening. This practice is intended to conserve energy and extend daylight during active hours.
2. When does Daylight Saving Time start and end in 2025?
In 2025, Daylight Saving Time commenced on Sunday, March 9, and will conclude on Sunday, November 2.
3. Which states do not observe Daylight Saving Time?
Hawaii and specific regions of Arizona remain on standard time throughout the year and do not participate in Daylight Saving Time.