Senators reintroduce the Sunshine Protection Act, aiming to make daylight saving time permanent, sparking debate over economic benefits versus health concerns.
At a Glance
- Bipartisan group of senators reintroduces bill to make daylight saving time permanent
- Supporters argue for economic benefits and simplified lives
- Health experts warn of potential negative impacts on sleep and safety
- Bill passed Senate unanimously in 2022 but stalled in the House
- Debate continues over permanent daylight saving time vs. standard time
Senators Push for Permanent Daylight Saving Time
A bipartisan group of U.S. senators, led by Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), has reintroduced the Sunshine Protection Act, aiming to make daylight saving time permanent year-round. The legislation, which would eliminate the need for biannual clock changes, has garnered support from senators across party lines, including Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), and Rand Paul (R-Ky.).
The proposed bill would result in later sunrises and sunsets during winter months, effectively providing more evening daylight throughout the year. Supporters argue that this change would simplify lives, improve public health, boost the economy, and enhance mental well-being.
BREAKING: Senator Rick Scott has introduced the bipartisan Sunshine Protection Act, to officially “lock the clock” and end the twice-yearly time change and make Daylight Saving Time the national year-round standard
— unusual_whales (@unusual_whales) January 9, 2025
Economic Benefits and Public Support
Proponents of the Sunshine Protection Act highlight several potential benefits of permanent daylight saving time. These include increased opportunities for outdoor activities, improved safety due to better visibility during evening hours, and economic advantages for businesses that rely on daylight hours.
“I hear from Americans constantly that they are sick and tired of changing their clocks twice a year – it’s an unnecessary, decades-old practice that’s more of an annoyance to families than benefit to them. I’m excited to have President Trump back in the White House and fully on board to LOCK THE CLOCK so we can get this good bill passed and make this common-sense change that will simplify and benefit the lives of American families,” wrote Sen. Scott in a statement.
The golf industry has expressed support for permanent daylight saving time, as it would allow for extended playing hours. Additionally, some studies suggest that increased evening light may contribute to reduced crime rates and fewer car accidents.
Health Concerns and Expert Opposition
Despite the enthusiasm from supporters, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and other health experts have raised significant concerns about the potential negative impacts of permanent daylight saving time. These experts argue that standard time aligns more closely with natural circadian rhythms and is better for overall health and safety.
“Permanent, year-round standard time is the best choice to most closely match our circadian sleep-wake cycle. Daylight saving time results in more darkness in the morning and more light in the evening, disrupting the body’s natural rhythm,” said Dr. M. Adeel Rishi.
The AASM cites research indicating potential health risks associated with daylight saving time, including increased rates of strokes, hospital admissions, and traffic fatalities. They also highlight the negative impacts of twice-yearly clock changes, such as sleep disruptions and mood disturbances, which affect millions of Americans.
Legislative Hurdles and Future Prospects
While the Sunshine Protection Act passed unanimously in the Senate during the 117th Congress, it stalled in the House of Representatives. The current reintroduction of the bill faces similar challenges, with some lawmakers expressing concerns about potential safety issues related to permanent daylight saving time.
Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.) is leading the House version of the bill and anticipates it will be discussed in a House Committee on Energy and Commerce hearing. As the debate continues, Americans remain divided on whether to eliminate daylight saving time altogether or make it permanent, with sleep experts generally favoring lighter mornings and permanent standard time.
As legislators work to address this long-standing issue, the coming months will likely see continued discussions on the merits and drawbacks of permanent daylight saving time. The outcome of these deliberations could have far-reaching impacts on the daily lives of Americans, affecting everything from energy consumption to public health and safety.
