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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Many Americans feel that changing clocks is outdated.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>Cv66Roofrat</span> Fri, 09/13/2024 - 21:27
I'm going to stick my foot out and say set the clocks to standard time and then leave them alone. DST is an artificial construct that is less than 70 years old. We've lived without it for hundreds, if not thousands of years and thrived. That simply proves that we don't need DST now. Trust me, the cows, chickens and other livestock will appreciate it.
<span>Robert Tuozzo</span> Fri, 09/13/2024 - 16:34
I believe that year round Daylight Saving Time is better than year round Standard Time. This is my opinion because the typical workday in the US is 9 am - 5 pm. The middle of that day is 1 pm. During DST, the Sun is at its highest point around 1 pm, for the most part. This would make there be a pretty good balance of Sunlight/daylight before and after the typical workday. And I am a college student, and my typical day is from 9:40 am - 4:05 pm. The middle of that is 12:52:30 pm, which again the Sun is better aligned to being the highest than compared with Standard Time. I'll be going home in a great deal of Sunlight, and I'll still be going to school when it's light out. So therefore, year round DST is better aligned with the typical 9-5 workday, balancing the amount of light before and after work. And also, who wants Sunshine before 4:30 AM? No one is awake at that time. In fact, sometimes I stay up until after 5 AM if my sleep schedule gets messed up during the summer. And we all take advantage of the 8:30 PM sunsets in late June. It's awesome. And the Sun would not set earlier than about 5:30 PM in early December. So for me, the choice is clear. Year round DST ranks superior than year round Standard. We can simply adjust our sleeping schedules and school schedules to ensure kids are not going to school in darkness. Schools start too early anyway (with most high school kids getting on the bus before 7:30 or even 7 AM). We should start the school day later (and I guess have to end it a bit later too), but still, that is more ideal. Especially for people who work from 9-5, having the maximum amount of Sunshine during the workday, instead of having a ton of Sunlight before work when it's unnecessary, and it being almost fully dark by 5 PM in early December. So, this is my choice. DST indefinitely. What do you guys think?
<span>William Kupper</span> Mon, 09/09/2024 - 13:10
I dont understand how changing the time on a clock affects how long the sun shines! The sun is gonna shine the same amout of time no matter what it doesn't care what our clocks say!
<span>Anne</span> Sat, 03/08/2025 - 12:03
right !!! good answer !!!
<span>Jill</span> Sun, 02/23/2025 - 19:41
You are so right. They called the bill they introduced in Congress to permanently keep DST the Sunshine Protection Act. Protect it from what? Crazy politicians who keep messing with the clocks, that’s what. The first day of summer has over 14 hours of daylight. That’s DAYLIGHT, not time. No matter what the clock says, it’s still 14 hours.
<span>Charles Terzian</span> Sat, 08/10/2024 - 09:42
I also would like to have DST all year round. It all just makes too much sense. It's not about Farmers but Politics. Let's consider average man for once! If I had the funds I would travel from State to State along the Eastern Seaboard and Petition for an ALL YEAR ROUND DST! Congress always "talks" about the Health and Welfare of Citizens. Well, you've read the reports. You've read how permanent DST increases the well being of families and Agriculture. So what's the problem?
<span>Susan King</span> Wed, 09/04/2024 - 12:58
I want DST because I get more exercise and it is more healthy for your body . Also I work and I don't like driving home in the dark
<span>Terri</span> Sat, 08/03/2024 - 06:39
I would rather it stay light longer. It's rediculouse that it gets dark at 4 pm. People end up driving home from work in the dark. Some of us have night blindness
<span>Michelle</span> Tue, 03/12/2024 - 07:19
It's 7:05am in NC and it's still dark outside...can't stand this time change! Love it when it's light out at 6am..you feel more awake to start your day-you would think it'd be safer for people driving TO work just waking up-safer for children getting on a bus for school. All you hear now on the news now is getting your body adjusted-taking a nap to adjust. How does an extra hour of sunlight in the late afternoon help people get the rest/sleep they say you should get? You're more awake/alert longer in the day when you should be getting your body ready to finally wind down and relax to hopefully get the sleep you need.
<span>Stephen Snow</span> Tue, 03/12/2024 - 01:00
You keep talking about an extra hour of light, a profound lie. DST takes an hour of daylight from the morning and puts it in the afternoon. Too many Americans do not fully understand that. You fail to mention anywhere that in 1974 the U.S. went on year round daylight time for a year and Americans rebelled overwhelmingly, angered at going to work and school in darkness of night from Halloween to Valentine's Day. If DST becomes permanent, this will happen again. I also have poll numbers that show support for year round standard time. Those who support DST do so having never known winter DST. When they experience wintertime DST most will change there minds.