Argument Against Changing Time (Standard to Daylight, and Back Again)
Health Risks: Changing time disrupts our circadian rhythms, leading to sleep deprivation and misalignment with our natural body clocks. This can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and mood disturbances. A 2020 study found a 6% increase in fatal car accidents following the spring transition.
Mental Health: The transition exacerbates mood disorders, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. The disruption in sleep patterns can cause fatigue, grogginess, and reduced focus.
Economic Impact: The energy-saving rationale for daylight saving time is outdated. Modern lighting accounts for less energy consumption, and extending daylight hours can lead to increased use of air conditioning and heating.
Public Safety: The transition to daylight saving time increases the risk of car accidents and workplace injuries due to sleep deprivation. A 2020 study found an 18.7% increase in patient safety-related incidents in healthcare settings following the spring transition.
Argument for Daylight Saving Time (If We Stick to One)
Safety: Longer daylight hours in the evening reduce the risk of car accidents and pedestrian injuries. More light in the evenings means better visibility and safer conditions for outdoor activities.
Economic Benefits: Extended daylight hours encourage more after-work activities, boosting retail and leisure industries. People are more likely to shop, dine out, and engage in recreational activities, contributing to local economies.
Mental Health: More daylight in the evenings can improve mental well-being by providing more opportunities for outdoor activities and social interactions. This can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Energy Conservation: While the energy-saving benefits of daylight saving time are minimal, it can still reduce the need for artificial lighting in the evenings, promoting energy conservation.
Congressional Bill to Eliminate Time Changes and Establish Permanent Daylight Saving Time
A Bill
To eliminate the practice of changing time from standard to daylight saving time and back again, and to establish permanent daylight saving time across the United States.
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the “Permanent Daylight Saving Time Act.”
SECTION 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
- The practice of changing time from standard to daylight saving time and back again disrupts circadian rhythms, leading to adverse health effects including increased risks of heart attacks, strokes, mood disorders, and reduced cognitive performance.
- The economic benefits of daylight saving time are minimal in modern times, and the energy-saving rationale is outdated.
- The transition between standard and daylight saving time increases the risk of car accidents, workplace injuries, and patient safety-related incidents in healthcare settings.
- Maintaining permanent daylight saving time can reduce accidents and injuries, promote economic activities, and improve public safety and mental health.
SECTION 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF PERMANENT DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME.
(a) IN GENERAL.—The uniform time within the United States shall be advanced by one hour as compared to the standard time now observed.
(b) TIME ADVANCEMENT.—The time advancement described in subsection (a) shall take effect at 2:00 a.m. on the second Sunday in March 2025 and shall remain in effect throughout the year.
SECTION 4. ELIMINATION OF TIME CHANGES.
(a) IN GENERAL.—The practice of changing time from standard time to daylight saving time and back again shall be eliminated.
(b) REPEAL OF PREVIOUS LAWS.—Any previous laws or regulations that mandate the observance of standard time during certain periods of the year are hereby repealed to the extent they are inconsistent with this Act.
SECTION 5. IMPLEMENTATION AND COMPLIANCE.
(a) RESPONSIBILITIES.—The Secretary of Transportation shall take all actions necessary to implement this Act and ensure compliance with its provisions.
(b) PUBLIC AWARENESS.—The Secretary of Transportation shall conduct a public awareness campaign to inform citizens about the transition to permanent daylight saving time.
SECTION 6. EXCEPTIONS.
States or regions that wish to observe permanent standard time may do so provided they pass legislation to that effect and notify the Secretary of Transportation of their decision.
SECTION 7. REPORTING.
The Secretary of Transportation shall submit a report to Congress within two years of the enactment of this Act detailing the impacts of the transition to permanent daylight saving time on public health, safety, and economic activities.
Supporting Evidence:
- Health Risks: Disruption to circadian rhythms and increased risks of health issues (NCBI)
- Mental Health: Impact on mood disorders and substance abuse (NCBI)
- Economic Impact: Outdated energy-saving rationale (Forbes)
- Public Safety: Increased car accidents and workplace injuries (PubMed)