Daylight saving time (DST) is a practice that many either love or love to hate. As 2025 approaches, discussions are heating up again about whether this annual clock-changing ritual will finally come to an end in the United States. While most of the country prepares to “spring forward” in March, the question on many minds is: What States Are Getting Rid Of Daylight Savings Time? Let’s delve into the current situation, exploring which states are considering ditching DST and why Arizona remains a notable exception.
Daylight Saving Time in 2025: Key Dates to Remember
For those areas still observing it, Daylight Saving Time in 2025 officially starts on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 2:00 AM local time. This is when clocks are moved forward by one hour. DST then ends on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 2:00 AM local time, when clocks are turned back an hour to standard time. This means you “lose” an hour of sleep in March and “gain” an hour back in November.
However, not all states participate. Two states, Arizona and Hawaii, have opted out of daylight saving time and remain on standard time year-round. It’s important to note that within Arizona, the Navajo Nation does observe daylight saving time, creating a unique situation within the state.
Why Are States Considering Ending Daylight Saving Time?
The push to eliminate daylight saving time is gaining momentum across the US. Critics point to a range of negative impacts associated with the bi-annual time change. These include:
- Sleep Disruption: The abrupt shift in time can disrupt our natural sleep patterns, leading to fatigue and reduced productivity.
- Health Concerns: Studies have linked daylight saving time to increased risks of heart attacks, strokes, and other health issues due to sleep deprivation and circadian rhythm disruption.
- Economic Impacts: While initially intended to save energy, the actual energy savings of DST are debatable, and some studies suggest it may even increase energy consumption in certain areas.
Public figures like former President Donald Trump and Elon Musk have voiced their support for ending daylight saving time, further fueling the debate and bringing the issue to the forefront of national conversation.
Which States Are Exploring Changes to Daylight Saving Time?
As of 2024, at least 30 states have considered legislation related to daylight saving time. While no federal action has been taken to mandate permanent standard time or daylight saving time nationwide, many states are exploring their options. Here’s a look at what some states are doing:
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States Proposing Permanent Standard Time: Several states are leaning towards permanent standard time, which would mean no more clock changes and sticking to the time observed during the winter months. Examples include:
- California: Advocating for year-round standard time.
- Georgia: Exploring permanent standard time, contingent on neighboring states.
- Idaho: Considering ending DST in coordination with other Western states.
- Indiana: Debating permanent standard time.
- Kentucky: Considering permanent standard time.
- Minnesota: Considering year-round standard time if federal law changes.
- Missouri: Considering permanent standard time, contingent on federal approval.
- Oregon: Proposing permanent standard time year-round.
- Pennsylvania: Proposing Eastern or Atlantic Standard Time and eliminating DST.
- South Carolina: Considering Eastern Standard Time year-round.
- Tennessee: Exploring permanent standard time, contingent on other southern states.
- Washington: Proposing year-round Pacific Standard Time.
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States Proposing Permanent Daylight Saving Time: Some states are interested in making daylight saving time permanent, which would mean longer evenings year-round. Examples include:
- New Jersey: Proposing to permanently observe daylight saving time.
- North Carolina: Advocating for year-round daylight saving time with federal approval.
- Ohio: Petitioning Congress to make daylight saving time permanent.
- Oklahoma: Passed a bill allowing year-round DST if authorized by federal law.
- Mississippi: Contemplating year-round daylight saving time with federal law changes.
- Michigan: Proposing either permanent standard time or daylight saving time year-round.
- Illinois: Proposing either permanent standard time or year-round daylight saving time.
- New York: Exploring the effects of eliminating daylight saving time.
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Alaska: Proposing to end daylight saving time, but only if federal law changes.
It’s crucial to understand that while many states are taking legislative steps, no state can independently implement permanent daylight saving time or standard time without federal approval.
Arizona’s Unique Case: Why No Daylight Saving Time?
Arizona’s decision to opt out of daylight saving time in 1968 is primarily attributed to its hot desert climate. By remaining on Mountain Standard Time year-round, Arizona avoids shifting daylight hours further into the scorching evenings. This is believed to reduce energy consumption for air conditioning during peak evening temperatures and make outdoor activities more comfortable later in the day.
arizona daylight saving time
According to the Pima County Public Library, Arizona has remained on Mountain Standard Time throughout the year since 1968, with the exception of the Navajo Nation, which observes DST due to its territory spanning across multiple states that do observe it.
Federal Regulations and the Future of Daylight Saving Time
Ultimately, the power to permanently abolish or alter daylight saving time across the United States rests with the federal government. The Uniform Time Act of 1966 established the current system of daylight saving time and allows states to exempt themselves, as Arizona and Hawaii have done. However, to implement permanent DST or standard time on a wider scale, Congress would need to amend or repeal this act.
While there is growing bipartisan support in Congress to address daylight saving time, no federal legislation has yet been passed to make permanent changes. Therefore, for 2025, most Americans should still plan to adjust their clocks in March and November, unless they reside in Arizona or Hawaii. The debate continues, and the future of daylight saving time in the US remains to be seen.
