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Will We Ever Stop Changing the Clocks? The Fight Over DST

white analog clock sitting in green grass, with the face reading 8:00
Image Credit:
M.Vich/Shutterstock
Written By: Catherine Boeckmann Executive Digital Editor and Master Gardener

Every fall and spring, Americans grumble about changing the clocks—“fall back” in November, “spring forward” in March. But will this ritual ever end? Here’s the latest news on the push to stop switching between Daylight Saving Time (DST) and Standard Time, plus a look back at how we got here.

The Next Clock Change

The next change happens on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 2:00 A.M., when Daylight Saving Time ends. Clocks will “fall back” one hour to Standard Time. Most people set their clocks forward before going to bed on Saturday night, March 7, so they wake up at the correct time Sunday morning. For quick and accurate time conversions across U.S. and world time zones, try our Time Zone Converter.

Why We Still Change the Clocks

Many Americans feel that changing clocks is outdated. Studies show:

  • A 2022 CBS News poll: 33% want permanent Standard Time, 46% want permanent DST, and 21% are fine with switching twice a year.
  • A 2022 Monmouth poll: 13% prefer Standard Time year-round, 44% prefer DST year-round, and 35% are okay with switching.

The debate continues: Standard Time aligns with the sun and human circadian rhythms, while DST gives later sunsets and more evening daylight.

Does Changing the Clocks Save Energy?

Not significantly. A 2008 U.S. Department of Energy report found only a 0.5% drop in daily electricity use during extended DST weeks. Modern studies find little benefit.

Health, Safety, and Other Effects of Time Change

  • Sleep & health: Standard Time aligns better with circadian rhythms. The spring switch is linked to increased heart attacks and strokes.
  • Safety: Fatal accidents rise after the spring change, though robberies drop with lighter evenings.
  • Mental health: The fall switch has been linked to higher rates of depression diagnoses.
  • Lifestyle: Extra evening daylight boosts outdoor activity, but economic activity dips after the fall change.

See our 5 Tips to Adjust to Daylight Saving Time for help with the transition.

The Push to End Clock Changes

In recent years, public frustration has fueled political momentum to make either DST or Standard Time permanent.

  • 2018–2022: Dozens of states passed resolutions or laws in favor of permanent Daylight Saving Time, though federal approval was required.
  • 2022: The U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Sunshine Protection Act to make DST permanent. However, the bill stalled in the House.
  • 2023–2025: New versions of the bill have been introduced, but none have advanced to law.

Who Wants to Lock the Clock?

While Congress has not yet passed legislation for permanent DST, states are taking matters into their own hands:

As of this writing, 29 states are actively pursuing some form of permanent time change.

  • Permanent Daylight Saving Time: 19 states have passed laws or resolutions to adopt year-round DST once federal approval is granted.
  • Permanent Standard Time: 6 states are pursuing year-round Standard Time.
  • Mixed or contingent initiatives: 4 states have considered both options or proposals contingent on federal action.
  • No initiative to change: 19 states have not introduced any legislation regarding DST or Standard Time.
  • Already on Standard Time year-round: Hawaii and most of Arizona (except the Navajo Nation).

On June 20, 2025, Texas passed a law aiming for year-round DST, but it won’t take effect until Congress allows it.

A Brief History of Clock Changes

The U.S. has wrestled with clock changes for over a century, and permanent DST has been attempted and reversed multiple times. The United States first adopted nationwide clock changes during World War I to save energy, then again during World War II. Since 1966, the Uniform Time Act has regulated the biannual time change.

  • 1918 – World War I: DST was introduced as a fuel-saving measure. Contrary to myth, farmers opposed it because shifting hours disrupted livestock and work routines. The law lasted only 7 months, though some states continued observing it locally.
  • 1942–1945 – World War II: President Franklin D. Roosevelt established year-round “War Time” DST.
  • 1945–1966: States observed DST inconsistently, creating confusion for transportation, broadcasting, and commerce.
  • 1966 – Uniform Time Act: Signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, this standardized DST across U.S. time zones. States could opt out, but the system became the national norm.
  • 1974 – Energy Crisis: DST was made year-round to save energy, but the change was unpopular, especially for children going to school in the dark.
  • 2005 – Energy Policy Act: Established the current system of DST from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November. States can opt out to stay on Standard Time, but cannot adopt year-round DST without Congress.

Exceptions today: Hawaii, most of Arizona, and U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Marianas) remain on Standard Time.

For more history, see our main Daylight Saving Time page.

Where Things Stand in 2026

As of July 2026, Americans will still be changing their clocks twice a year. No federal law has passed to end the switch. A majority of states support the change in principle, but Congress must act before anything can take effect nationwide.

Will the Clock Changes Ever Stop?

The answer remains: Not yet. While the issue has bipartisan support and broad public approval, the debate continues over which time should be adopted permanently—Daylight Saving or Standard Time. Until Congress resolves the question, “springing forward” and “falling back” continue.

What Other Countries Do

Frustrations with clock changes are not limited to the U.S.:

  • European Union: 80% of residents want to end seasonal clock changes.
  • Countries that abolished DST: Argentina (2009), Russia (2014), Turkey (2016).

Frequently Asked Questions

When do we change clocks in 2026?

Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 2:00 A.M. Clocks “fall back” one hour.

Will this be the last time we change the clocks?

Not yet. Congress has not passed a law to make DST or Standard Time permanent.

Why do we change the clocks?

Originally, to save energy during wartime; today it’s largely historical and standardized by law.

Can states stop changing their clocks?

States can opt out of DST and stay on Standard Time (like Hawaii and Arizona) but cannot adopt year-round DST without federal approval.

Does changing the clocks save energy or improve safety?

Energy savings are minimal. DST may reduce evening crime and encourage activity, but it temporarily increases car accidents and health risks, and it affects sleep and mental health.

Bottom line: The next clock change is November 1, 2026, when Americans set their clocks back 1 hour. Until Congress acts, the twice-yearly time change continues.

What do you think about Daylight Saving Time? Tell us in your comments below.

History

About The Author

Catherine Boeckmann

Catherine Boeckmann

Executive Digital Editor and Master Gardener

Catherine Boeckmann is the Executive Digital Editor of Almanac.com, the digital home of The Old Farmer’s Almanac. She leads digital editorial strategy and publishing across a wide range of Almanac sub...

Read more from Catherine Boeckmann

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Comments

<span>Beverly Tits</span> Fri, 10/30/2020 - 11:14
As a young child during WWII, I was told that DST made it easier for working people to work in their Victory Gardens after they came home from work...they had more daylight.
<span>Tracy Martin</span> Fri, 10/30/2020 - 10:43
I believe our health and well being should be the country's top priority when deciding to get rid of daylight savings time. There is already a sleep epidemic and DST contributes to it. Teachers complain every spring about kids falling asleep in the classroom in the spring. There is no need for my daylight in the evening. Our health concerns should be the most important factor to consider. We dont need daylight savings time. I pray Congress gets rid of it.
<span>Karen S Bunch</span> Fri, 10/30/2020 - 09:03
It is the most crazy thing to change times 2 times a year. Our body clocks are messed up enough so why impose this on us twice a year, especially when small children have no idea except what their bodies tell them. Come on Congress, have a heart!
<span>Stephen James</span> Thu, 10/29/2020 - 23:31
DST is an abomination and should have been destroyed years ago. It is more of a health issue not an energy saving issue. From an energy point of view, in the summer it only adds to the heat of the day by having the sun set later in the day when it is the hottest time of the day based on the clocks. So your AC runs longer because the sun sets later according to the clock. Years ago before the advent of AC IT may have served a purpose but not today. You actually have higher electric bills. Year round DST makes no sense. We had that in the mid 70's and people complained about very late sunrises in the morning. Just leave the clock on standard time and live your life and do not worry about when the sun rises or sets based on the clocks. Where I live we have been doing that for years and our body clock is just fine.
<span>Ben Ford</span> Thu, 10/29/2020 - 08:58
DST serves no purpose today. Needs to go away altogether.
<span>Robbin L. Barrett</span> Thu, 10/29/2020 - 08:32
I personally love having some light outside when I leave work at 8pm , I enjoy sitting outside and relaxing or puttering around the yard. When it gets dark I feel like I've lost a whole day and I don't feel like getting anything around the house done because, well it's dark! It's ok during the winter because it's cool outside and not a lot to do in the yard , but the cold invigorates me and I want to start dressing the house for fall time and Christmas and those lights brighten my mood and house, but after the holidays I am checking to see when we spring forward. So I say make DST our new Standard time year round and stop with the hassle of changing our clocks 2 x a year!! I know everyone has their own opinion on what time would be the best but I really hate it being dark by 6PM during the winter. DST FOREVER 4ME!!! sorry if you don't agree :-)
<span>Margaret Todd</span> Wed, 10/28/2020 - 18:30
Please stop this useless habit. It does not save energy.
<span>Ahmad</span> Tue, 10/27/2020 - 18:56
DST is ridiculous we can not bear it anymore Make summer time permanent pleaseeeeeee
<span>Julie</span> Tue, 10/27/2020 - 09:46
The amount of light doesn't change just because we change the clock. Moving the clock unnaturally extends our activity into the evening. Do I really need to be active in daylight all the way up to 9pm? I should be winding down. During the summer heat, I prefer to be more active in the morning, not the evening when heat peaks. The seasons cause a natural and gradual increase and decrease in daylight, whether we are on DST or not. Perhaps we should be changing our work schedules, much like farmers and other outdoor careers and tasks, to move with the daylight. Some studies suggest that exercise in the morning is linked to greater productivity, lower blood pressure, better metabolism and better sleep. Move with the natural rhythms. Why do we always need to fight against nature? Maybe we would be even happier.
<span>Darrell Galyean</span> Tue, 10/27/2020 - 08:53
I feel cheated. I hate DST and they keep extending it til now we are only on real time(Standard) for a little over 4 months. Leave it on Standard time. Our bodies are in tune with the sun, not the clock.