The History and Future of Daylight Saving Time

Daylight Saving Time (DST) was first proposed by Benjamin Franklin in 1784 as a way to conserve energy by making better use of natural light. However, it wasn’t until 1918 during World War I that DST was officially implemented in the United States to save energy for the war effort. After the war ended, DST was repealed, but it was later reintroduced during World War II and has been in use ever since.

In the United States, Daylight Saving Time begins on the second Sunday of March and ends on the first Sunday of November, with the clocks moving forward by one hour in the spring and back by one hour in the fall. However, the future of DST in the US is somewhat uncertain. Some states have already opted out of Daylight Saving Time, including Arizona and Hawaii, while others have proposed bills to abolish it altogether. Supporters of DST argue that it saves energy and promotes outdoor activities, while opponents point to its negative effects on sleep patterns, public health, and productivity.

Just ahead of Daylight Saving Time, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) reintroduced the Sunshine Protection Act of 2023 for the 118th Congress. The bill was passed by The Senate. If passed by the House and signed by the President, the legislation would end the antiquated practice of changing clocks twice a year come November 2023.

Photo credit: Google photos

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