What if Our Clocks Didn't 'Spring Forward'?

Exploring the impacts of permanent standard time in the U.S.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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As daylight saving time approaches on March 8, some states are considering legislation to observe permanent standard time year-round, similar to Hawaii and most of Arizona. This would result in earlier sunrises and sunsets compared to the current daylight saving time schedule. The article examines how this would impact sunrise and sunset times across multiple U.S. cities and the potential benefits and drawbacks of permanent standard time.

Why it matters

The debate over daylight saving time has been ongoing, with some states and lawmakers pushing for permanent standard time to avoid the biannual clock changes. This story explores the real-world implications of such a policy shift, providing readers with a deeper understanding of how it would affect their daily lives in terms of sunrise/sunset times and potential impacts on sleep patterns, morning routines, and energy usage.

The details

If the clocks didn't 'spring forward' in March, cities across the U.S. would see much earlier sunrises and sunsets compared to the current daylight saving time schedule. For example, in St. Louis, the earliest summer sunrise would be 4:36 a.m. instead of 5:36 a.m., and the latest sunset would be around 7:30 p.m. instead of 8:30 p.m. Similar patterns would play out in other major cities, with the earliest sunrises occurring in the 4 o'clock hour and the latest sunsets in the 7-8 p.m. range. Proponents of permanent standard time argue the earlier mornings provide more usable daylight and better align with natural sleep cycles, while opponents cite the later evenings as preferable for after-work activities.

  • On March 8, 2026, daylight saving time will begin and clocks will 'spring forward' an hour.
  • In November 2026, daylight saving time will end and clocks will 'fall back' an hour.

The players

Hawaii

One of two U.S. states (along with most of Arizona) that does not observe daylight saving time, preferring to remain on standard time year-round.

Arizona

One of two U.S. states (along with Hawaii) that does not observe daylight saving time, preferring to remain on standard time year-round, with the exception of the Navajo Nation.

Missouri

A state that is considering legislation to observe permanent standard time, similar to Hawaii and Arizona, rather than 'springing forward' for daylight saving time.

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What’s next

Several states, including Maine and Texas, have already enacted legislation to make daylight saving time permanent within their boundaries, but this would require Congressional approval to take effect. Without action by Congress, the rest of the country will continue to observe the biannual clock changes.

The takeaway

The debate over daylight saving time highlights the tradeoffs between earlier sunrises/sunsets and later sunsets/sunrises. Permanent standard time could provide more morning daylight but less evening daylight, potentially impacting sleep patterns, energy usage, and after-work activities. As states continue to explore alternatives, this story provides readers with a deeper understanding of how a shift to permanent standard time would affect their daily lives.