Daylight saving time is currently scheduled to conclude on November 1, 2026, when clocks will "fall back" by one hour. This marks the return to standard time, a practice that has been debated for decades.
The United States has observed daylight saving time since the Energy Policy Act of 1974, though the practice dates back further. In the 1970s, daylight saving time was implemented to conserve energy during the oil crisis, but it was repealed the following year following public objection to children going to school in the dark.
Efforts to Make Daylight Saving Time Permanent
Recent legislative efforts aimed at establishing daylight saving time year-round have encountered obstacles. The Sunshine Protection Act of 2025, which would end the practice of changing clocks twice a year, passed the House of Representatives with a significant majority of 308 to 117 votes.
Proponents of the bill, such as Florida Representative Gus Bilirakis, argue that permanent daylight saving time would bolster the economy and promote outdoor activities. Bilirakis stated in Congress on July 14 that in states like Florida, where tourism is a major economic driver, consistent daylight hours offer practical advantages for businesses, workers, and visitors.
However, the bill has stalled in the Senate, where it was sent for consideration in July. Opponents have called for further discussion and analysis before enacting such a substantial change that would affect most U.S. states.
States Not Observing Daylight Saving Time
Currently, not all U.S. states participate in daylight saving time. According to the Department of Transportation, most of Arizona and Hawaii observe standard time throughout the year. U.S. territories including American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands also do not observe daylight saving time.
An exception within Arizona is the Navajo Nation, which does observe daylight saving time, aligning with neighboring regions in New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado.