Over a Dozen States Consider Scrapping Daylight Saving Time

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More than a dozen states in the United States are currently considering legislation that would move them to permanent standard time, eliminating the seasonal clock change associated with daylight saving time. The proposals come as there is ongoing debate about how much energy is actually conserved as a result of daylight saving time.

Why it matters

The potential move away from daylight saving time reflects growing skepticism about the benefits of the practice, which was formally introduced in the United States in 1918. While supporters argue it can save energy, the National Institute of Standards and Technology notes there is ongoing debate about the actual energy savings.

The details

The Uniform Time Act of 1966 standardized the daylight saving time system, setting the rules for the seasonal clock changes. However, the legislation also allows states to decide through their own legislation whether they want to observe daylight saving time at all. In recent years, that provision has prompted renewed legislative efforts across the country, with bills for scrapping daylight saving time being considered in states like Alaska, California, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and Vermont.

• Daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. local time on the second Sunday in March. In 2026, that shift took place on March 8.
• Daylight saving time concludes at 2 a.m. local time on the first Sunday in November. In 2026, that end date falls on November 1.

What’s next

In Virginia, a bill that would put standard time in place year‑round was passed by the state Senate in February, and last week, the House Rules committee voted to move the bill to the 2027 session. Virginia's proposal would only take effect if Washington, D.C., and Maryland adopt the same approach.