WASHINGTON, D.C. — A Senate subcommittee convened to examine the future of daylight saving time (DST), revisiting a century-old practice that has drawn increasing scrutiny from lawmakers, experts, and the public.
The hearing focused on whether to maintain the biannual clock changes or pursue legislative action to eliminate them.
Daylight saving time, first introduced during World War I to conserve energy by maximizing daylight hours, has been in effect in most parts of the United States since the passage of the Uniform Time Act of 1966. The act standardized the practice but allowed states to opt out. Hawaii and most of Arizona do not observe DST.
During the hearing, expert witnesses testified on the current impacts of DST, noting that the original rationale of energy conservation may no longer be valid.
Several cited research indicating minimal energy savings and highlighted potential health risks linked to the time changes, including increased rates of heart attacks and strokes. Other testimonies emphasized potential benefits of adopting a fixed time year-round, such as improved sleep patterns and workplace productivity.
Senator Marco Rubio expressed strong support for ending the time change and advocated for making daylight saving time permanent.
He pointed to economic data suggesting increased consumer activity and business revenue during extended evening daylight hours.
Rubio previously introduced the Sunshine Protection Act in 2021, which passed the Senate but has not been taken up in the House of Representatives.
Senator Ed Markey offered a counterpoint, defending the continuation of DST. He emphasized benefits such as increased evening daylight for outdoor recreation and its positive effects on industries like retail and tourism.
Markey noted the cultural familiarity of DST and its longstanding integration into American life.
The U.S. Department of Transportation found that daylight saving time may reduce crime due to extended daylight in the evening. However, studies published by the American Journal of Public Health and other institutions challenge its impact on energy use, the original justification for the practice.
A 2021 Associated Press poll reported that 63% of Americans support eliminating the time change in favor of a permanent standard time. Meanwhile, businesses such as golf courses and outdoor dining venues continue to support DST, citing increased revenues tied to longer daylight hours.
