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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Many Americans feel that changing clocks is outdated.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>Kathleen Carr</span> Tue, 03/08/2022 - 11:33
I completely agree with John Clark. Split the difference - this is a fair and great compromise! Everyone wins a little and loses a little. Advance all US clocks by 30 minutes and NEVER change them again. Changing clocks twice every year and messing with our circadian rhythm is crazy and NOT HEALTHY. How much longer are we going to discuss this issue twice every year. We ALL have better things to do with our time.
<span>Kevin Mccune</span> Fri, 03/04/2022 - 07:54
The sanest approach.
<span>Dave</span> Mon, 02/28/2022 - 16:39
I would like to see year round DST.
<span>Glenn</span> Mon, 02/28/2022 - 12:53
As one living in AZ that does not observe DST I can tell you the clock changes are a pain. Why? If I watch a national TV show or have a work meeting that starts at a particular time, then that show or meeting changes for me if it is scheduled outside AZ. For instance, a show at 7PM in the winter will be at 6 PM in the summer. But anything scheduled locally does not change. For instance a class I teach is at 6PM year round. So it becomes a challenge and doubly so if your 'office' is located outside AZ. Not sure what AZ would do if DST went away, I'm assuming they would stay on MST although my preference would be PST.
<span>Karen</span> Sun, 02/27/2022 - 16:43
Hate changing to daylight saving time. Following the natural scheme of things is so much less stressful. Standard time should be permanently adopted
<span>Dj</span> Wed, 02/23/2022 - 23:09
Changing the clock twice a year is so detrimental to physical and mental health! We don’t need DST. It unnecessarily makes you wake up an hour early when there’s already more sunny hours in summer and it’s still bright when going to bed. I personally find it hard to wake up early as fall starts and Keeping DST year round would make it even more harder. Just why do we need DST? Let’s stick to standard time and leave it at that.
<span>Linda L Beck</span> Wed, 02/16/2022 - 19:47
It is stupid to keep changing the time twice a year. Our internal clocks don't just change with flip of the dial. Many of us take weeks to adjust every time the clock changes. I don't care if it is standard time or savings time, just decide which one you want the most and leave it alone. I don't see nature (animals, etc.) changing because we move the clock dial, it has better since than we do.
<span>Kjm</span> Tue, 03/01/2022 - 16:57
Disrupting the natural human sleep cycle does more harm than any possible good when switching from standard to DST time twice a year. What is the reason for this antiquated bi-yearly maneuver? Just leave time alone as we have so little of it as it is. Although I would be in favor of permanent DST to take advantage of the additional daylight hours in the evening, I would not really mind either choice. Just choose one or the other and leave it there. It would give the mental midgets in Washington some meaningful legislation to work on as opposed to the pocket lining they work so hard at.
<span>Donalita</span> Mon, 01/31/2022 - 21:49
Life is short enough! Why Do we want to subtract a hour off of Everyday. Yes I said everyday. When we are on standard Time Life slows down. I hate when we change to daylight savings time .Life speeds up and so begins the rat race again. I don't care that it stays daylight till 9. A lot of people go to bed around that time anyhow if not before. The sun is so hot all day until 9 its not good look at the brids stupid sounding maybe but check it out , the ac has to work so hard and long it runs up the bill... the daylight changes by itself naturally anyhow like it was meant to do...I look at the clock during standard time and think wow, I'm so glad it's not a hour later. Rushing home to get dinner look at the clock wow it's so nice it's NOT 6 and it's only 5... I hate the hurry feeling daylight savings time brings, life is hectic enough,why put hurry into it because it's short enough as well...ask yourself right now what time is it?now IF you are on standard time you can say great good feeling to have a extra hour... a rush hurry pace of life is not healthy mentally or physically. Why increase the speed of life after all once upon a time there was a lot of time ...Yes I love standard time and believe it is God's time...So what time is it ? Could you use a extra hour?
<span>Laura</span> Sat, 02/05/2022 - 12:54
Well how do we convince our States we do not NEED daylight savings time. I think a collaborative online petition to send to our States would be a thorn in their side. It has been proven that there is a more negative impact than a positive. I'm definitely not saving electricity, that's for sure!