Debate and Controversy Continue Over Daylight Savings Time

As the United States enters another daylight savings time, arguments respark as to whether or not to make a permanent change in the matter. 

When asked about the controversy, Amanda Chau (’23) said, “I find it ironic that every year there is a debate but no change has been made since no one can come to an agreement.” 

While daylight savings time has been around for decades, Americans are beginning to grow restless of the change. Originally started during WWI to help conserve daylight and energy, the debate to keep or dump the idea creates controversy across the country every year. In the past, the biggest source of consumption was light, but we now have air conditioners and multiple devices per household that just continue to add to the electricity bill. 

“I am not a fan due to the fact that it gets dark so early, and I play softball so I am outside practicing and it’s pitch black,” said Shelby Savitt (‘24).

The United States tried to make the adjustments in the early 1970’s. Susan Davis from NPR says, “However, America tried this before — and the country hated it.” 

During this time, America was facing an energy crisis so Congress passed a law to make daylight saving time permanent year round. This experiment would only last two years to see if there was any real benefit. The idea was thought to help save energy, however, it did not even make it to the second year since Americans did not like the adjustment.  

While the idea may be popular, the action of making daylight savings permanent is less than ideal for Americans. The outcome may be different half a century later, but it looks like the arguments will just continue until Congress can come to an agreement. 

My favorite part of daylight savings is I get an extra hour of sleep. My least favorite is the overwhelming depression I feel at 4pm every day as the sun sets

— SPOOKY 1984’s George Whorewell (@EwdatsGROSS) November 6, 2022

When asked how if she thinks daylight savings is beneficial, Emmy Growcock (’23) said, “I do not really see the point anymore since everyone I talk to does not like it either.” 

There does not seem to be any progress toward a change, but with the annual debate stirring up questions, maybe one day Congress can come to an agreement on whether or not daylight savings time still makes sense to have.