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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Many Americans feel that changing clocks is outdated.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>Kathy</span> Sun, 10/19/2025 - 08:02
I’m old enough to remember when DST was made permanent in 1974 and it was a disaster. This was especially true for those living in the far northern parts of the US like I did. It was a bad idea and there was a reason it was quickly abolished! I also think clocks should be tuned back a few weeks earlier than the first Sunday in November! My husband drives a school bus and yes, it would have been better had the time been changed a few weeks ago. I find it unbelievable that in my world at least the same people who moan about the one hour shift twice a year are the very same people who seem to have no problem with shifts in the time when they travel. If it was a major shift, it would be one thing but an hour? Please! In all probability they shift things an hour on weekends, holidays, vacations, etc.
<span>George Poole</span> Fri, 10/17/2025 - 07:06
Wonderful article - very well written - thank you
<span>Elmer Johnson</span> Tue, 10/14/2025 - 12:05
what about changing the clocks only a half hour instead of a whole hour. Twice a year
<span>Carolyn Shutts</span> Mon, 10/13/2025 - 07:06
There is no reason for daylight savings time to go on! No benefits. Your circadian rhythm will change your sleep patterns and make your brain feel more confused. Get back to natural life cycle as it was intended. Should be ended.
<span>Ann</span> Sat, 10/11/2025 - 10:25
There is no reason to keep this up as there are no benefits and definitely risks to life and health in the spring . We need to go back to what’s natural and matches our bodies’ natural rhythms. What is the big hold - up???
<span>Scott</span> Thu, 10/09/2025 - 17:15
Honestly Congress needs to stop having there thumbs up there A SSes and put a stop with this changing clock chit it's STUPID and pointless who ever made this clock change should be dropped on there head.
<span>Proclaimliberty</span> Tue, 10/07/2025 - 09:17
The amount of daylight is not affected by what the clock reads. If we care at all about when the sun rises and sets, we must get used to whatever the clock reads when this happens. We can then adjust our schedules accordingly. Better, then, to adjust clocks to permanent standard solar noon clock readings insofar as possible. That means solar noon at 12:00 clock time in the middle of each time zone, which will differ by about a half hour earlier at the western border of each zone and a half hour later at the eastern border as far as the clock is concerned. The sun doesn't care what the clock reading is. We who do care what the clock reads must schedule our business and school activities to use as much sunlight as possible, whether we begin at 5am or 9am, and work for about 8 hours before driving homeward, enjoying whatever daylight remains at the end of our work or school activities. So what was once a "standard" 9-to-5 day might become a "6-to-2" day. Or it might change from time to time as the sunrise and sunset hours change. It's up to us to follow the sun if we want to make the most of however much daylight we receive.
<span>Gran And Poppa</span> Sat, 10/04/2025 - 21:40
I’m in favor for DST. And no more changing clocks ! This messy up my whole body ! Have trouble going to sleep and then have trouble waking up. STOP THIS CHANGE ! It is NOT healthy for our bodies. Medical info has proven it !!! What do we need to do to get Congress to listen to the people and allow them to have DST as permanent. This time makes our bodies feel it’s best. Do y take my word for it ! ASK A DOCTOR !! ‼️‼️👍🏻‼️‼️
<span>Beth M</span> Fri, 10/31/2025 - 10:31
I agree. I'm in favor of DST and I hate the changes. My mental health and moods are directly related to the sun and I find I'm much more down and depressed with less sunlight.
<span>Shari B</span> Sun, 11/02/2025 - 08:52
DST fan here. It isnt like it doesn't get dark earlier on DST in the fall anyway. And every poll I've seen shows most favor DST. Especially with those awful LED migraine inducing headlights and streetlights, it being light later helps folks drive safer later too.