Daylight savings time is the practice of shifting clocks one hour ahead in the spring and back again in the fall. The intention is to extend daylight hours so that people can spend more time outdoors and cut energy usage by reducing artificial lighting needs during peak evening hours. The topic has generated a lot of debate recently, with many states considering whether or not to keep Daylight Savings Time as it stands now. After all, it might seem unnecessary given how much technology has advanced, but Daylight Saving Time was originally implemented as a measure against using too much gas lighting. Many states have either opted out or are currently debating whether or not they should remain on Daylight Savings Time. Want to know more? Keep reading for details about each state’s decision regarding this time-changing tradition!
What States Don’t Do Daylight Savings?
There is no standard rule. In the US, Daylight Saving Time is not a federal law but a local choice, so each state can decide for itself when to follow DST. Since 1966, DST has been observed on a statewide basis in the US for 11 months each year (from March to February). A total of 36 states and Washington, DC observe DST. There are four states that do not observe DST: Hawaii, Indiana, Arizona, and Puerto Rico. Additionally, 10 states can opt out of DST: Florida, Alabama, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, Oregon [and California!] Additionally[/], South Carolina, usually observes DST but this year were mostly out of it because of some weird timeline I’m not going to get into right now. And then there’s also Kansas and North Dakota which are always out.”
Why Some States Have Opted Out of Daylight Saving Time?
Standard Time is Best for Some States
Some states have opted out of daylight savings time as they are better served by standard time. One reason that standard time might be preferred is to reduce energy consumption due to the increased demand for electricity during the long evenings of the summer months. Areas that experience very hot summers and where air conditioning is common may want to avoid the increased energy demand created by an extra hour of evening sunlight. Similarly, areas with very cold winters may want to avoid the early darkness associated with DST. Some of the states that do not observe DST, including most of Alaska and Hawaii, have very different climates from the rest of the country. In general, regions that are not on DST are areas that are generally less economically vibrant, and where the extra hour of sun in the summer may not be as useful.
No Light at Night During DST
Many people find that they miss the extra light during the summer months. Some areas have noticed an increase in crime, particularly crime against children, during the darker evenings. And there are concerns that the reduced light in the evening during DST can create a safety hazard for those who walk or bicycle to work. During winter, on the other hand, relatively early darkness may be preferred by many people. This leads to the question of whether an extra hour of light in the morning during DST can be of benefit.
More Darkness in the Morning During DST
Some people do prefer an extra hour of darkness in the morning during DST. For example, people who use public transportation to get to work may appreciate the extra bit of darkness for added safety. And there may be some positive economic benefits in certain areas. Many people who work outdoors may prefer the earlier darkness in the morning to avoid the extreme heat that can occur during the summer months. However, the reduced light in the morning during DST can be a safety hazard for people who walk or bicycle to work. And there is some evidence that the added darkness in the morning may cause people to eat more calories than they normally would.
Limited Economic Benefit
During the summer months, there is an extra hour of sunlight in the evening that can be used for extra work or for recreational activities. During the winter months, there is an extra hour of sunlight during the morning that can also be used for work or recreation. There is evidence that people in some areas do use this extra sunlight, particularly in the summer months. There is also evidence that the reduced electricity demand during the extended evening hours during DST can reduce the electricity costs for certain areas. And there may be some positive health benefits associated with an extra hour of light in the morning during the winter months. However, in most areas, the benefits associated with these changes seem to be limited. It is not clear that these benefits outweigh the negatives associated with an extra hour of darkness during the early evening during DST.
Other Potential Issues With DST
Some areas have seen an increase in auto accidents during the extended evening hours during DST. And there is some evidence that people can experience health issues associated with the extended hours of sunlight during the summer months, particularly older people and those who are indoors for most of the day. There are also some productivity issues associated with extended daylight hours, particularly among employees who work afternoon shifts. Some people have religious objections to DST, particularly Muslims who see this as an unnecessary interruption of their daily religious observances. And there are also issues related to computer systems and software that are not easily adjusted to account for DST.
Which States Are Currently Debating Whether To Opt Out?
- There are currently two states that are debating whether or not they should opt out of Daylight Saving Time.
- The first is New York, where legislators are currently considering a bill that would move the state to Eastern Standard Time all year round.
- This bill is sponsored by a Republican New York State senator, and it’s received a lot of media attention. However, it’s not a done deal. The bill was first introduced in February 2018, but it was referred to a committee and has yet to be brought up for a vote.
- Another state that’s currently debating whether to opt out of DST is Florida. Florida is considering moving to Eastern Standard Time all year round as well. This bill also has bipartisan support and is currently in committee as well.
Which States Will Be Staying On Daylight Saving Time?
- There are currently 16 states that will be staying on DST for the foreseeable future. These include California, Connecticut, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, and Virginia.
- There are two states that are currently considering changing to standard time and one state that is currently considering a hybrid. The hybrid state is Hawaii, which is currently considering a shift to a hybrid that would also take into account the tourism industry.
- Finally, there’s Arizona, which is not currently considering a shift but is being pressured by residents and businesses to do so.
Conclusion
Daylight Savings Time has been a part of American culture for nearly 100 years, though it varies by state. The time change is intended to extend daylight hours so that people can spend more time outdoors and cut energy usage by reducing artificial lighting needs during peak evening hours. There are currently two states that are debating whether or not they should opt out of Daylight Saving Time, and there are 16 states that will be staying on DST for the foreseeable future.
