This Sunday (Mar. 12, 2023) at 2:00 am we will move our clocks forward by one hour. Twice a year, most people in the United States and many other countries around the world have to change their clocks forward or backward by one hour. This is known as daylight saving time (DST). The idea behind DST is to make better use of the daylight hours during the warmer months of the year.

The practice of DST is controversial, and many people wonder whether it's really necessary or even beneficial. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the arguments for and against DST.

Proponents of DST argue that it saves energy. By shifting the clock forward in the spring, people are able to enjoy more daylight in the evening hours, which means they are less likely to use artificial lighting. This, in turn, reduces the amount of electricity that is consumed. Studies have shown that DST can reduce energy consumption by as much as 1% to 2%.

DST supporters also argue that it promotes outdoor activities. With more daylight in the evenings, people are more likely to engage in outdoor activities like sports, exercise, and socializing. This can have a positive impact on physical and mental health.

Opponents of DST, on the other hand, argue that it can be disruptive to people's schedules and sleep patterns. When the clocks are shifted forward or backward by an hour, it can take several days for people to adjust. This can lead to feelings of fatigue, irritability, and reduced productivity.

Critics of DST also point out that it can have negative effects on certain industries, such as agriculture and transportation. Farmers, for example, often have to adjust their schedules to accommodate DST, which can be challenging. And some transportation companies argue that DST can cause confusion and disruption for travelers.

Finally, opponents of DST argue that it's simply unnecessary. Some countries have opted to abolish DST altogether, arguing that the benefits don't outweigh the costs. In the United States, there have been several attempts to eliminate DST, but none have been successful … yet.

Sunshine Protection Act of 2023

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) has reintroduced the Sunshine Protection Act, which was surprisingly approved by a unanimous vote in the Senate last year but wasn't voted on by the House.

The bill would eliminate the changing of clocks and “if enacted, the U.S. would not ‘fall back’ in November and would enjoy a full year of DST, instead of only eight months,” according to a fact sheet on the bill.
Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.) introduced companion legislation in the House.
It’s unclear if Congress will take up the legislation again but both bills have been referred to committees. The offices of Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy did not immediately return a request for comment.

Looking back, DST used to run from April to October but the Energy Policy Act of 2005 extended DST by approximately four weeks from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November.

In conclusion, DST is a controversial practice that has both supporters and detractors. While it may save energy and promote outdoor activities, it can also be disruptive to people's schedules and have negative effects on certain industries. Ultimately, whether or not DST is necessary or beneficial is a matter of debate.

The Last Spring Forward?

Sunshine Protection Act of 2023