Musk and Ramaswamy propose abolishing daylight saving time. How might this impact Utah

December 8, 2024

Updated: December 8, 2024

WASHINGTON — The co-leaders of the Department of Government Efficiency have recently suggested the possibility ‍of eliminating daylight saving⁣ time.

The practice of adjusting our clocks twice⁣ a year was first introduced in 1916. According to a ⁤YouGov poll,‌ many people are in favor of ⁣putting an end to it. However, the power to ‌make this change lies in⁣ the hands of Congress.

Elon Musk shared his thoughts on the matter on social media, stating, “It seems the public‍ is⁣ keen on‍ getting rid of these bothersome time adjustments!” Vivek Ramaswamy echoed this sentiment, commenting, “It’s inefficient and simple to alter.”

While no formal policy‌ proposal has been ⁣put‌ forth by the Department of Government Efficiency (a body responsible for identifying ways to reduce the size and reach ⁣of the federal government), any actual changes would need to be enacted by Congress. A senator from Utah has expressed⁤ support for such a change.

Regarding the potential alteration‍ of daylight saving, Sen. Mike Lee posted on social media, “Let’s choose a path and stick to it. No more biannual changes.”

President-elect Donald Trump has‍ also shared his views on daylight saving time. In March ⁣2019, Trump posted, “I’m fine with making Daylight Saving Time a permanent fixture!”

Two states, Arizona and Hawaii, have already chosen to opt out of daylight saving time. In the remaining 48 states,⁢ clocks are set one hour ahead in March and one hour back in ‍November.

Sen. Marco Rubio has been a leading advocate for “locking the clock,” as he phrases⁤ it. He has proposed legislation aimed at making daylight⁤ saving time a⁤ permanent arrangement. This proposal,⁤ known as the Sunshine Protection⁤ Act, was reintroduced in 2023, but has yet to be⁤ passed by Congress.

“It’s time to lock the clock and put an end to the outdated and absurd practice of adjusting our clocks twice a year,” Rubio stated in a press release. “Let’s finally pass my Sunshine Protection Act and eliminate the need ⁣to ‘fall back’ and ‘spring forward’ once and for all.”

Sen. ‍Ed Markey, a Democrat from Massachusetts, ‍expressed ‍to The Washington Post that he doesn’t believe the clock adjustments make sense. “However, we do need permanent⁤ daylight saving time — having more daylight hours in the evening ‌allows for increased productivity.”

Rep. Celeste Maloy reintroduced the Daylight Act in 2024, which would permit states to observe permanent daylight saving time‌ if they‌ so choose.

In 2020, Utah⁢ passed a law stating that if⁢ Congress permits‌ states to observe permanent ⁢daylight saving time, the state would follow suit.

“Americans are fed up with losing sleep in‍ the spring and sunlight in the fall,” Maloy stated. “Numerous states, including Utah, have already passed laws ⁣to make daylight saving time permanent. ⁤The⁤ federal government needs to ⁤step aside and allow them to make that decision, rather than enforcing the unnecessary⁤ practice of changing our clocks twice a year.”

As of now, ⁤Congress has not passed the Daylight Act.

There is ⁤ongoing debate over whether to transition to daylight saving time permanently or to maintain standard time. Daylight saving time would result in more sunlight in the evenings, but darker mornings. Conversely, standard time would mean brighter⁣ mornings.

According to ⁣NPR, some scientists argue that standard time is more conducive to healthy sleep patterns. “Our internal ‌clock ⁤is better synchronized with receiving light in the morning, which in turn promotes healthier sleep cycles.” However, others argue for more ⁣evening light, as it‍ encourages people to engage in activities (and potentially stimulate the economy through increased spending).