Daylight Saving Time in the U.S.

 

Overview of Daylight Saving Time in the U.S.

• Begins: Second Sunday in March
• Ends: First Sunday in November
• Purpose: Originally implemented to make better use of daylight during the longer days of spring and summer, DST is intended to conserve energy and allow for more evening daylight hours.

2024 Daylight Saving Time Changes in the U.S.

• Starts on March 10, 2024: At 2:00 a.m. local standard time, clocks are set forward by one hour to 3:00 a.m. local daylight time.
• Ends on November 3, 2024: At 2:00 a.m. local daylight time, clocks are set back by one hour to 1:00 a.m. local standard time.

Regions That Observe DST

Most of the United States observes DST, with some exceptions:

• Hawaii: Does not observe DST, as its day length is relatively consistent year-round.
• Most of Arizona: Does not observe DST, except for the Navajo Nation in the northeast of the state, which follows DST due to its location spanning multiple states.
• U.S. Territories: American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands do not observe DST.

History and Rationale

The U.S. first adopted DST during World War I and then again in World War II to conserve energy. It was standardized in 1966 with the Uniform Time Act, establishing the set dates for DST observance. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 adjusted the start and end dates to the current schedule to further extend DST.

Current Status and Debate

DST has been a topic of debate, with some advocating for its abolition, claiming that it disrupts sleep patterns and has minimal energy-saving benefits. In recent years, there have been various legislative efforts to either make DST permanent or end it altogether. For example:

• The Sunshine Protection Act was passed by the U.S. Senate in 2022, which, if it becomes law, would make DST permanent across the country. However, as of now, it has not passed the House or been signed into law.

International Context

In Europe, DST runs from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October. Many countries around the world either do not observe DST or have discontinued it