ICYMI: Rubio and Markey Make the Case for Permanent Daylight Saving Time

Op-Ed

It's time to end the "spring forward' and "fall back' tired tradition
U.S. Senators Ed Markey (D-MA) and Marco Rubio (R-FL)
March 12, 2022
CNN

… Changing between daylight saving time and standard time isn't just an inconvenience to people everywhere -- it has real repercussions for Americans' health, economy and public safety…. That's why we're working together in the US Senate to make sure we end the practice of "spring forward" and "fall back" by making daylight saving time permanent….

Already, 20 of the 48 states that observe the time change have passed proposals for year-round daylight. The states of Massachusetts and Florida, which we represent, have already expressed support for switching to permanent daylight saving time…. But our states can't do it without enacting federal legislation. That's why we've introduced the Sunshine Protection Act, which would amend the legislation which created time zones, the time change and how time zones are determined, to make brighter days a reality year-round….

The effects of darker afternoons on our mental and physical health can be serious. The biannual transition of "spring forward" and "fall back" disrupts circadian sleeping patterns, causing confusion, sleep disturbances and even an elevated risk to heart health…. Year-round daylight saving time could also decrease the likelihood of fatal car accidents, which jump six percent in the days following the time change, according to a 2020 study from the University of Colorado….

Furthermore, extra sunshine in the evenings can give our economy a boost, with consumer spending up 3.5% when we have more daylight in the evenings…. And beyond the statistics, there's the simple truth that we all like more sunshine. Evening daylight hours mean more of the day to enjoy after work and allows our kids more time to play after school.

It's really straightforward: Cutting back on the sun during the fall and winter is a drain on the American people and does little to nothing to help them. It's time we retire this tired tradition. Tell your senators to lighten up and back our Sunshine Protection Act.

Source