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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Many Americans feel that changing clocks is outdated.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>Flpck</span> Tue, 03/15/2022 - 22:17
I can assure you, permanent DST is a big mistake. It means humans making the artificial clocks run ahead of the sun's daily revolution around earth, with dire implications for health and well-being. As a European, from what I can gather about what is communicated about this subject in the US right now, I get away with the feeling that what drives the decision toward DST as opposed to standard time, are purely economic interests and, frankly, uninformed opinions such as "it's better to have longer days". These statements blink out completely what DST means in winter, especially in places farther west, where under DST the sun might not go up until several hours after school or office hours commence. And that's a desaster, as it deprives people of sleep when their bodies are calling for it, i.e. when it's dark outside. And what might be the consequences of that? Facing customers with a bad mood? Resorting to substances to fight frustrations based on sleep deprivation? Inability to concentrate at work or at school? Yes, all of that! Count on it! I am a lay person, but I've made myself familiar with the subject called "chronobilogy", probably because I belong to that part of society who suffers from having to live by the dictums of early hours. Anyway, those who understand the science of it, will not be in favour of DST, but of standard time, as the latter is more attuned to sun time, which itself is attuned with, and even triggers, the natural daily rythms prevalent in the bodies of all living creatures.
<span>Sandi Makynen</span> Thu, 03/17/2022 - 16:29
I agree with the above comment. STANDARD TIME IS THE BEST FOR EVERY THING ON EARTH.
<span>Michelle</span> Wed, 03/16/2022 - 02:22
Very well said. I completely agree!
<span>Larry Boyles</span> Tue, 03/15/2022 - 18:24
This has been long overdue - let's get rid of changing our clocks and bodies twice a year. I am excited that the Senate today finally done something worthwhile and passed a bill to stop the time change - Let's be hopeful the Congress passes it quickly and the President signs it just as quickly
<span>Miguelito</span> Tue, 03/15/2022 - 18:00
Anything the government has ever been involved in was never for The People, particularly in modern times. And daylight savings time is no different. Get rid of it. One of the things I really like about living in Arizona. Everyone else just complicates things for no reason whatsoever. But that's what liberals do.
<span>Ama Scheidt</span> Tue, 03/15/2022 - 17:31
No more daylight saving time….
<span>Lisa</span> Tue, 03/15/2022 - 16:26
It doesn’t matter to me. Both have their pros and cons. Just pick one and be done!!
<span>Elaine</span> Tue, 03/15/2022 - 12:02
Last November when when the time change loomed, I said, "I Am Not Doing This Again!" We were still in daylight time when this rebellion occurred, so I have been on daylight time ever since. I have worked from home 1 1/2 years so it was not difficult. I had to keep track of what I needed to do that was on standard time, but that wasn't hard. I have no preference. It was just the stupidity of the clock switching. I was surprised by how much of a psychological difference it actually made to not make that change, more than I thought.
<span>Stephen Snow</span> Mon, 03/14/2022 - 22:59
Advocates of year round DST lack the moral right to force millions of people to begin their work and school day in the total darkness of night between Halloween and Valentine's Day. This is the reality of wintertime DST. States in the western part of a time zone have naturally extended evening daylight. And naturally late morning light. DST is an anachronism, outdated. The tide is against it. We cannot play God and permanently change the time of day. YEAR ROUND STANDARD TIME IS A MUST.
<span>Kevin C</span> Wed, 03/16/2022 - 18:52
Amen, Stephen...I totally agree with you...I DO NOT like Daylight Savings Time at all and Standard Time is the original time and MAN messed it up by changing twice a year...I lived in Arizona for years (unfortunately not currently) and I LOVED not changing the clocks and being on STANDARD TIME YEAR ROUND is a MUST.