Senators reintroduce the Sunshine Protection Act, aiming to make daylight saving time permanent, but sleep experts warn of potential health risks.
At a Glance
- Bipartisan group of senators reintroduces the Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time permanent
- Bill aims to eliminate biannual clock changes and provide more evening sunlight
- Sleep experts oppose the move, advocating for permanent standard time instead
- Debate centers on economic benefits versus potential health and safety risks
Senators Push for Permanent Daylight Saving Time
A bipartisan group of senators, led by Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), has reintroduced the Sunshine Protection Act, a bill designed to make daylight saving time permanent across the United States. The legislation aims to end the practice of changing clocks twice a year, which has been a longstanding tradition in America. Supporters argue that the move would simplify lives, improve public health, and boost the economy by providing more daylight hours in the evening.
The bill has garnered support from senators across party lines, including Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), and Rand Paul (R-Ky.). This renewed push comes after the Senate unanimously passed the Sunshine Protection Act in the 117th Congress, only to see it stall in the House. Sen. Scott expressed optimism about the bill’s prospects, citing President Trump’s support for the measure.
BREAKING: Senator Rick Scott has introduced the bipartisan Sunshine Protection Act, to officially “lock the clock” and end the twice-yearly time change and make Daylight Saving Time the national year-round standard
— unusual_whales (@unusual_whales) January 9, 2025
Potential Benefits and Economic Impact
Proponents of the bill highlight several potential benefits of permanent daylight saving time. They argue that more evening sunlight would provide increased opportunities for outdoor activities, potentially reducing crime rates and car accidents. The golf industry, in particular, has expressed support for the change, anticipating economic advantages from extended daylight hours.
“I hear from Americans constantly that they are sick and tired of changing their clocks twice a year – it’s an unnecessary, decades-old practice that’s more of an annoyance to families than benefit to them. I’m excited to have President Trump back in the White House and fully on board to LOCK THE CLOCK so we can get this good bill passed and make this common-sense change that will simplify and benefit the lives of American families,” wrote Sen. Scott in a statement.
Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) emphasized the economic, health, and happiness benefits of the proposed change. The bill’s supporters argue that the current practice of changing clocks is outdated and causes unnecessary inconvenience for Americans.
Opposition from Sleep Experts
Despite the enthusiasm from lawmakers, the proposal faces significant opposition from sleep experts and organizations such as the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). These experts argue that permanent standard time, not daylight saving time, is better aligned with our natural circadian rhythms and would yield numerous health advantages.
“Permanent, year-round standard time is the best choice to most closely match our circadian sleep-wake cycle. Daylight saving time results in more darkness in the morning and more light in the evening, disrupting the body’s natural rhythm,” said Dr. M. Adeel Rishi.
The AASM cites research indicating potential health risks associated with permanent daylight saving time, including increased strokes, hospital admissions, and traffic fatalities. They argue that while the twice-yearly clock changes do cause disruptions, adopting permanent daylight saving time could lead to more severe and long-lasting negative impacts on public health and safety.
The Path Forward
As the debate continues, the bill’s fate remains uncertain. Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.) is leading the House version of the bill, which is expected to be discussed in a House Committee on Energy and Commerce hearing. However, concerns about safety issues with permanent daylight saving time, as expressed by Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), may present hurdles for the legislation.
The Sunshine Protection Act would allow states the option to permanently adopt daylight saving time, potentially leading to a patchwork of time zones across the country. As lawmakers and experts continue to weigh the pros and cons, the American public remains divided on whether to eliminate clock changes altogether or make daylight saving time permanent.
