Heart & Home
The Behind the Scenes Controversy Around Daylight Savings Time
Every year, on the second Sunday of March, and the first Sunday of November, Americans move their clocks an hour forward or an hour back, respectively. This ritual of changing clocks by an hour is known as daylight savings time (DST). While the practice is now deeply ingrained in American society, the history and controversy surrounding DST are often overlooked.
Daylight savings time in the US was introduced during World War I. The goal was to reduce energy consumption by extending daylight hours in the evening. On March 19, 1918, Congress passed the Standard Time Act, which established standard time zones and authorized the implementation of DST. However, the law did not make DST mandatory, and states were free to choose whether or not to observe it.
The implementation of DST was not without controversy. In fact, some states and cities opposed the measure and even tried to reverse it. For instance, in 1919, the state of Massachusetts went back to standard time, claiming that DST caused confusion and disrupted transportation schedules. Similarly, in 1922, the city of Chicago rejected DST after two years of observing it.
Despite opposition, DST remained in place until World War II ended. After the war, the US repealed the Standard Time Act, and states were once again free to decide whether to observe DST. The lack of a federal mandate resulted in a patchwork of DST policies across the country, leading to confusion and chaos. Some states observed DST, while others did not, and those that did had different start and end dates.
In 1966, Congress passed the Uniform Time Act, which standardized the start and end dates of DST across the country. The law required all states to observe DST from the last Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October. However, states still had the option to exempt themselves from observing DST by passing a law.
In 1974, Congress extended the period of DST in response to the oil crisis. The Emergency Daylight Saving Time Energy Conservation Act required all states to observe DST for ten months, from January to October. However, the law was controversial and faced opposition from some states.
The controversy surrounding DST stems from its alleged benefits and drawbacks. Supporters of DST argue that it saves energy, reduces traffic accidents, and promotes outdoor activities. However, opponents claim that the energy savings are negligible, and the disruption to sleep patterns can have adverse effects on health.
Additionally, some groups have criticized DST for its impact on agriculture, claiming that it disrupts farmers' schedules and causes confusion. Others have pointed out that DST can have negative economic effects, such as reduced productivity and increased absenteeism.
The controversy has led to calls for DST to be abolished or modified. In 2018, the European Union voted to end DST, citing health concerns and public opposition. However, the decision has been controversial, with some countries in the EU opposing it.
In the US, several states have also considered abolishing or modifying DST. In 2019, the Florida legislature passed the Sunshine Protection Act, which would have made DST permanent in the state. However, the law has not been implemented, as it requires federal approval.
As Americans prepare to adjust their clocks once again, the history and controversy of DST remain a contentious issue in the country. While some argue that it saves energy and promotes outdoor activities, others claim that it disrupts sleep patterns and has negative economic effects. Despite the controversy, DST is likely to remain a part of American society, at least for the foreseeable future, with some states continuing to observe it while others consider abolishing or modifying it.
Photo Credit: Miriam Alonso
