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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Many Americans feel that changing clocks is outdated.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>Iona Thomas</span> Wed, 03/16/2022 - 20:53
I like the standard time. I do not like this time. I like sleeping in One extra hour because it makes me feel better. The changing of times is inconsistency and I hate this time .
<span>B</span> Wed, 03/16/2022 - 18:50
I love the idea of DLS being permanently being the all year round time. I think the change to standard time affects a person mental over all health. Really hope they keep it in DLS if they do.
<span>Beauregard</span> Wed, 09/07/2022 - 09:07
You’re not making any sense. What is DLS and where in the universe is it a time designation?
<span>Becky</span> Wed, 03/16/2022 - 18:26
I live in the far northern part of the US and I HATE standard time. I am completely on board with going to permanent DST. The early morning light is totally wasted and the sun sets at 4:30pm much of the year. It is depressing and I loathe driving home in the pitch black. Totally approve of the new bill. I hope it passes. For those who think we should follow the "natural" way of things - really? I should be going to sleep when it gets dark at 5pm? Hardly.
<span>Flapjack</span> Wed, 03/16/2022 - 16:34
I can assure you, permanent DST is a big mistake. It means humans making artificial time run ahead of the sun’s daily revolution around earth, with dire implications for health and well-being especially during winter. From what I can gather about what is communicated on the subject by politicians and the media in the US right now, I’m getting away with the feeling that what drives the decision toward permanent DST, as opposed to permanent standard time, are purely economic interests (that seem trivial as well) and underinformed opinions such as “it’s better to have longer days”. This is a restricted view that blinks out completely what DST means in winter, especially in places farther west, where under DST the sun might not go up until hours after school or office hours have commenced. Because it is the sun that determines the actual time of day, not the clock. And standard time captures sun time more accurately. Permanent DST, on the other hand, is really not acceptable, because it deprives people of sleep when their bodies are calling for it, i.e. when it’s dark outside. What are the consequences of that? Facing customers with a bad mood? Resorting to substance abuse to fight frustrations based on sleep deprivation? The inability to concentrate at work or at school? Yes, all of that! Count on it! And the secondary and tertiary implications of these bodily stressors are in the long run higher case numbers of mood disorders, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer. The very conditions presented in a misleading way to be thwarted by permanent DST. I am a lay person, but I've made myself familiar with the subject of “chronobiology”. Those who are familiar with it, cannot be in favor of permanent DST, but will call for permanent standard time, as the latter is more attuned to sun time, which itself is attuned with, and even triggers, the natural daily rhythms prevalent in the cells and bodies of all living creatures. Standard time is not perfect, but it serves the purpose of a uniform time zone better from a health and well-being perspective. And think about the economy, too: A healthy and well-rested customer is a happier customer, don’t you agree? And also take into account the costs for treating those medical conditions if you do engage in calculating the estimated bottom line of such a decision.
<span>Bluebell</span> Wed, 03/16/2022 - 21:06
Excellent response with well explained facts for keeping standard time year round. Thank you for your time and efforts.
<span>Jonathan Miller</span> Wed, 03/16/2022 - 13:20
Hawaii really needs DST. The sun sets at 7pm in the middle of summer. If you are not a morning person it really sucks.
<span>Charlene Gerdes</span> Wed, 03/16/2022 - 12:23
We need to get off this fence - permanently. Whether it's CST or DST there are only X number of hours of sunshine in any given 24 hour period. Changing the clocks twice a year does terrible things to our bodies, too. Having to adjust even one hour throws our internal clocks out of whack. More so when we "fall" back than when we "spring" forward because people are so used to DST in the fall and being able to "go and do" more after school/work that they forget their sleep pattern is, again, going to be interrupted. Farmers might be milking in the dark, but if they happen to have crops that need to be harvested they would be able to do that longer in the afternoons/evenings if we have permanent DST. Permanent DST would allow commuters the opportunity to drive home from work with daylight after a long day at work. People are tired, anxious to get home so they can relax and wouldn't have to be as concerned with having to drive home in the dark - unless they have a really long commute. As far as the schools are concerned, unless there are long bus rides to be dealt with, the kids wouldn't be waiting in the dawn light for very long and would have more light for going home just like commuters. Maybe the schools would be open to changing their hours of operation from starting at 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Permanent DST might also solve some of the problem with people not driving with their lights on when it begins to get dark. I see an alarming number of drivers who don't turn their headlights on when it starts getting dark and then still don't have them on when it's completely dark and their cars can't be seen by other drivers because the car is blending in with the darkness. I like having the extra daylight in the evening so I can work in my yard longer and it would be a little warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. I also drive for a rideshare company and having more daylight later in the day lets me stay on the road longer in the evening when people are going out to eat, to the movies, concerts, etc., etc.
<span>Matthew Kenney</span> Wed, 03/16/2022 - 10:40
Do away with Daylight Saving Time. It's a ploy to keep businesses open longer, but most Fed/State run are done by 5pm, and malls/big box stores are done at 9pm. Why are we stretching out daylight late into the summer time for? It's dumb. Just dumb. Bring a bill to do away with it, please. Time to leave time in Standard Time.
<span>Cheryl</span> Wed, 03/16/2022 - 06:31
I support making DST permanent!