As daylight grows shorter and the chill of fall sets in, many Americans prepare for the biannual ritual of adjusting their clocks for daylight saving time (DST). However, not all states and territories participate in this practice. In fact, a few regions in the U.S. have opted to do away with the time change altogether, staying on a consistent schedule year-round.
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Which States Won’t “Fall Back”?
In 2024, residents in two states—Arizona and Hawaii—won’t be changing their clocks. The Navajo Nation within Arizona is an exception, but the rest of the state will stay on standard time. This practice isn’t new for these states, as they’ve long resisted the biannual shift due to their geographical location near the equator, where the variation in daylight hours is minimal year-round.
Additionally, U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands also choose to skip daylight saving time. Their proximity to the equator provides consistent daylight, making the practice unnecessary.
Why Some Regions Avoid Daylight Saving Time
Daylight saving time was originally introduced to make better use of daylight during the longer days of summer. However, the regions that have opted out of DST receive abundant sunlight year-round. For states like Arizona and Hawaii, staying on a consistent schedule just makes sense. The blazing Arizona summers, in particular, make longer daylight hours undesirable, as people often prefer to avoid the heat during peak daylight.
The conversation about ditching daylight saving time isn’t exclusive to these regions, though. Pennsylvania, for example, has been exploring the idea of remaining on a fixed time schedule. Various officials and experts argue that eliminating DST could benefit public health. The American Medical Association supports this notion, stating that a year-round standard time aligns more closely with the body’s natural circadian rhythms, which could improve sleep and overall health.
Health and Environmental Impacts
The debate over daylight saving time extends beyond convenience. According to multiple studies, the sudden shift in time can disrupt sleep patterns, increase the risk of heart attacks, and even lead to more accidents due to tiredness. Year-round standard time could potentially mitigate these effects by allowing people to maintain a more consistent sleep schedule.
There’s also an argument that sticking to one time could reduce energy consumption. Proponents say that modern energy use is less tied to daylight hours, with energy-efficient lighting and round-the-clock lifestyles making the benefits of DST less significant today.
A Push for Change Across the U.S.
Though only a few states and territories currently forgo daylight saving time, the conversation is gaining momentum nationwide. In Florida, Senator Rick Scott has been pushing for legislation to make daylight saving time permanent across the country, calling the practice of changing clocks “outdated and unnecessary.” Other states like Pennsylvania are also considering similar moves, reflecting a growing trend of discontent with the practice.
The Future of Daylight Saving Time
As more regions explore the possibility of opting out of daylight saving time, the conversation around its necessity is likely to continue. While for now, most of the U.S. will still “fall back” in November 2024, the success of Arizona, Hawaii, and several U.S. territories in sticking with one time zone year-round might pave the way for other states to follow suit.
For now, if you’re in a state that does observe daylight saving time, mark your calendars for the clock change. But if you’re in Arizona, Hawaii, or one of the U.S. territories, you can rest easy knowing you won’t have to deal with the hassle.