Govind Tekale
In 2024, Daylight Saving Time (DST) is set to conclude on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 2:00 A.M. local time.
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This long-standing practice has been a subject of heated debate for many years.
Originally adopted in 1918 as a measure to save energy during World War I, DST has undergone various changes since its inception.
Current regulations, established by the Energy Policy Act of 2005, dictate that DST begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November.
Not all states participate in DST; for example, Arizona, Hawaii, and several U.S. territories such as Guam do not observe the time change due to various important reasons.
The transition caused by DST can disrupt the body's circadian rhythms, which may be harmful to both physical and mental well-being.
While some businesses, particularly in retail and recreation, have traditionally supported DST for the extended evening daylight, the overall efficacy of this practice remains contested.
The Sunshine Protection Act of 2022, which aimed to make DST permanent, was ultimately not passed by Congress.
A 2023 survey by YouGov revealed that a significant majority of respondents favored permanent standard time, indicating a shift in public opinion.
As of now, 19 states have passed legislation to end the practice of switching clocks, although these changes depend on federal law.
The future of DST and the clock-switching tradition is still uncertain, as the debate continues among lawmakers, health experts, and the public.