Across the globe, 70 countries adjust their clocks twice a year for Daylight Saving Time (DST). November 6, the US will “fall back” one hour to standard time resulting in an earlier sunrise and an earlier sunset. However, this fall might be the last time US citizens turn back their clocks.

Earlier this year, the Senate unanimously passed the Sunshine Protection Act. This bill would eliminate switching our clocks to standard time starting in November 2023. This means that we would have permanent daylight savings and no longer “fall back” and then “spring forward” in March.

While all 100 senate members passed the bill, it still has to be passed in the House and signed by the president to officially be enacted.

Daylight saving time was originally implemented in 1908 in Thunder Bay, Ontario as a way to preserve daylight during the winter months. DST was then adopted during WWI in many European countries to help save energy costs.

In 1918, the US implemented DST as part of the Standard Time Act, but daylight saving time has been used inconsistently throughout the past century. From 1954 to 1966, there was no federal law regulating a state’s usage of DST, and Arizona and Hawaii are the only states that have opted out of changing their clocks since DST was introduced in the US.

Proponents of permanent DST argue that it would improve safety conditions of pedestrians, drivers, children playing, etc. More sunlight would allow for people to see better in the evening as well as reduce twice-yearly grogginess of altered sleep schedules. According to an NBC article, a 2020 study found that springing forward each year increases the risk of having a fatal traffic accident by 6 percent.

Economist Jennifer Doleac PhD says that robberies drop 7 percent in the springtime when clocks are sprung forward. Permanent DST would also increase the economy due to more people being out in the daylight and willing to shop longer.

Longer evenings could potentially improve health conditions of citizens who would be able to participate in a more active lifestyle all year around. Implementing permanent DST could improve internal health conditions too. Twice a year when we adjust our clocks, our circadian rhythms are altered which can take weeks to recover from. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a common result of “falling back”, which could be prevented by implementing the Sunshine Protection Act.

Opponents of permanent DST argue that this transition is needless because the earth’s axis will tilt anyway and continue to have a biannual solstice and equinox, so we really don’t have any control over the amount of light—just when we’re asleep or awake. Others may prefer having a brighter morning over a dark morning and don’t mind the earlier sunset in fall and winter.

While some people may believe that permanent DST would reduce energy costs, unfortunately studies show that it won’t make any significant changes in this area.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, over two-thirds of states want year-round DST, so the Senate’s passing of the Sunshine Protection Act was a major deal for DST advocates. As many Americans wait for the House to vote on the bill, 48 states set back clock November 6.

Regardless of your position, don’t forget to set back your clocks!