The push to abolish Daylight Saving Time, supported by powerhouses like Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk, casts a spotlight on the potential for American efficiency through time reform.
At a Glance
- The Department of Government Efficiency is spearheading efforts to abolish DST in the U.S.
- Critics argue DST creates more problems than it solves, impacting health and the economy.
- Senator Rubio is a fervent supporter of the Sunshine Protection Act.
- History shows past efforts to use DST for energy savings were largely ineffective.
The Case against Daylight Saving Time
The Department of Government Efficiency, led by Vivek Ramaswamy, is aiming to cut unnecessary government waste by abolishing Daylight Saving Time (DST) in the U.S. DST was originally designed to maximize daylight hours. However, a Stanford University meta-analysis in 2021 concluded that DST only reduced energy consumption by a meager 0.34 percent. Interestingly, a 2008 study even suggested an increase in energy usage. Critics argue that DST’s complications in international scheduling and its economic toll through sleep disturbance are unwarranted.
The health impact of DST is not muted. Sleep schedule disruptions from DST changes are linked to increased heart attacks, workplace injuries, and reduced productivity. This, combined, costs the U.S. economy $434 million annually. Prominent business figures, including Ramaswamy and Musk, have publicly favored the abolition of DST. Musk, capturing public sentiment, tweeted, “Looks like the people want to abolish the annoying time changes!” The system standardized in and 1966 has seen legislative pressure for reform, according to Elon Musk on Twitter.
Legislative Push for Reform
Marco Rubio and other senators continue to advocate for the removal of DST. Rubio has repeatedly introduced The Sunshine Protection Act to eliminate the biannual clock changes. The effort garners bipartisan support, driving momentum towards a consistent time structure. Previous attempts at permanent DST were seen in 1974 during the national gas crisis. While initially popular, long, dark winter mornings led many to reconsider. In just a year, public approval plummeted, resulting in the reversal of permanent DST by October 1974.
“This ritual of changing time twice a year is stupid. Locking the clock has overwhelming bipartisan and popular support,” says Marco Rubio.
The act passed the Senate in March 2022. It awaits approval from the House of Representatives and President Biden. In a 2019 poll, 70 percent of Americans expressed a desire to end clock changes, with preferences split between standard time and DST. Health and safety risks associated with these twice-yearly changes highlight the necessity for reform.
Historical Context and Forward Movement
Daylight Saving Time was humorously suggested by Benjamin Franklin and formally established to conserve energy during World War I. Its actual benefits remain debated, with implementation seen first in the U.S. in 1918, repealed, and then reintroduced during World War II. Despite these historical applications, energy conservation results have been mixed. Extended DST hasn’t curtailed oil consumption or crime but has caused issues in air travel and religious activities.
“[A]fter nearly 100 years, daylight saving has yet to save us anything,” according to Michael Downing.
The nationwide standardization undertaken in 1966 marked a shift in how time is observed across the country. As lawmakers continue to press for reform, the push to abolish DST foregrounds larger questions of government efficiency and societal benefit. Authorities are now considering permanent standard time, which could eradicate twice-yearly disturbances.
