Environmental
Should The US End Daylight Saving Time After Elon Musk’s Poll Sparks Debate?
Should The US End Daylight Saving Time After Elon Musk’s Poll Sparks Debate?
Here’s The Scoop
In a move that has sparked renewed interest in the debate over daylight saving time (DST), billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk took to his social media platform, X, to poll users on their preferences for ending this biannual clock-changing ritual. Musk’s inquiry comes as Americans grow increasingly weary of the outdated practice, which many argue disrupts daily life without offering significant benefits.
Musk’s poll, which garnered over 1.2 million votes, revealed that 58% of respondents prefer to keep the clocks an hour later, suggesting a leaning towards permanent DST. This sentiment resonates with a growing number of Americans who are tired of the twice-a-year hassle and are calling for change.
The debate over daylight saving time has been simmering in the United States for years. Established nationwide by the Uniform Time Act of 1966, DST has been a staple in every state except Arizona and Hawaii. However, the push for permanent DST or standard time requires Congressional action, despite 18 states already expressing readiness to adopt permanent DST if given the green light by Congress.
In 2022, the Senate unanimously passed the Sunshine Protection Act, which aimed to make DST permanent. Unfortunately, the bill, championed by then-Senator Marco Rubio, R-Fla., hit a roadblock in the House. Some senators admitted they would have opposed the bill had they been aware of its consideration, illustrating the complex political landscape surrounding this issue.
Efforts continue both federally and at the state level to address the DST conundrum. Lawmakers have introduced various bills to either make DST permanent or allow states to decide independently. Meanwhile, some states are considering making standard time permanent by abolishing DST altogether.
The impact of DST on the economy, energy consumption, and public health has been the subject of numerous studies. A 2008 Department of Energy study found a negligible 0.03% decrease in electricity consumption due to extended DST, while other studies have shown mixed results regarding its effects on traffic accidents and health issues like heart attacks.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has advocated for a permanent shift to standard time, citing benefits to human circadian rhythms and public health. Yet, many Americans, including those who responded to Musk’s poll, appear to favor the extra daylight in the evenings that permanent DST would provide.
As the debate continues, it’s clear that the American public is eager for a resolution. Whether it’s through Musk’s influence or legislative action, the time for change seems to be ticking closer.
What do you think? Let us know by participating in our poll, or join the discussion in the comment section below!
Lori
March 11, 2025 at 7:33 am
I chose yes to end it but really what I’m choosing is to end the switching. I personally don’t care if it’s DST or EST, just make it one or the other and leave it. People are complaining that “the kids are going to school in the dark” well guess what people, with EST the “kids are going to school in the dark”. In the winter months there is less sunlight making it darker for longer. When I worked, retired now, in the winter I worked dayshifts and went to work in the dark, was inside all the daylight hours, and came home in the dark. Big deal I’d be more concerned about the predators, both 4-legged and 2-legged, than the dark because it’s dark.
Mark Smith
March 11, 2025 at 8:27 am
it doesn’t matter just pick ONE and leave it there. the sun comes up the same time every day the earth Rotates at the same time every day. this is STUPID to change your clock to gain more time, well there is NO more time than 24 hours in a day.
MAGA
March 11, 2025 at 9:20 pm
NO, the Sun DOESN’T come up the same time every day ! Therein lies the problem. The ONLY times you have 12 hrs daylight and 12 hrs darkness are at the EQUINOXes. At the SUMMER SOLSTICE, you have the MOST sunlight and at the WINTER SOLSTICE, you have the LEAST !! Atleast here in Jersey, in the winter, sunrise isn’t until about 07:30. In summer, it’s up at about 04:30 !!!
Tony
March 11, 2025 at 11:51 am
I say move the time 30 minutes to split the difference then leave it alone!!!!!
Gloria Barke
March 11, 2025 at 12:49 pm
My choice is DST. I don’t like the changing back and forth.
William
March 11, 2025 at 6:18 pm
I choose “yes” to end this somewhat useless practice. The animals of this world do not know the difference. They only know that “when the human shows up to feed them or the sun come up” it is time for them to start their day. Why should we (the humans) be any different. Besides, this will ease the troubled minds of those (that don’t know what a man is or what a woman is to be called) of one more obstacle to confuse them.
MAGA
March 11, 2025 at 9:23 pm
Let’s all be like the AMISH. They work from “Can’t See to Can’t See” !!!
Jerry C.
March 12, 2025 at 5:17 am
DST is an abomination. When the Sun’s directly overhead, it’s Noon. Time Zones make sense but DST makes none. Abolish it altogether!
Gary
March 12, 2025 at 11:49 am
Best to go with standard time as noted by science. People can adjust their schedules in summer months. But either way, stop switching. People can adjust schedules on daylight savings time too….