Daylight saving time is set to begin on Sunday, March 9, 2025, when millions of Americans will “spring forward” and lose an hour of sleep. However, the biannual clock change is facing growing scrutiny as debates heat up over whether it’s time to make the switch permanent.

The National Debate

According to KGW, the Uniform Time Act of 1966 has mandated daylight saving time for decades, although it does allow states to opt out and stick to standard time year-round. In practice, Arizona and Hawaii have long been exceptions, thanks to a loophole in the law. Meanwhile, many states are pushing for what some call a “lock the clock” approach. In the past six years, around 20 states have passed legislation or resolutions to stay on daylight saving time permanently, and in 2024, at least 30 states considered or are still debating related measures.

Proposals like the Sunshine Protection Act have been introduced in Congress over the years. For instance, former Senator Marco Rubio’s version of the bill aimed to keep the nation on daylight saving time year-round. Although a version of this act even passed the Senate in 2022, it stalled in the House, meaning that any permanent change awaits a federal repeal or amendment to current law. Adding fuel to the fire, high-profile figures—including President Donald Trump, who in recent social media posts described daylight saving time as “inconvenient” and “costly”—have expressed interest in eliminating the twice-yearly time changes.

Local Perspectives: New Hampshire’s Experience

According to KGW, New Hampshire has experienced its own share of debates. In 2024, a state lawmaker filed a bill proposing a permanent shift to Atlantic Standard Time—on the condition that neighboring Maine, Vermont, and Massachusetts follow suit. A similar proposal was introduced in 2023, aiming to exempt New Hampshire from the biannual clock changes if nearby states opted out as well. Unfortunately, both efforts stalled in the legislative chamber, leaving residents with the familiar routine of changing clocks twice a year.

Pros, Cons, and the Bigger Picture

As stated by KGW, SouthCoast Today: The Standard-Times, and the Concord Patch, advocates of permanent daylight saving time argue that longer evenings boost local economies by encouraging more outdoor activities, shopping, and dining. They also suggest that more daylight in the evenings may help reduce crime. On the other hand, critics caution that the constant shifting can disrupt natural sleep patterns and circadian rhythms. Medical experts have noted potential risks, including increased chances of heart problems and mood disturbances, while parents point out the challenges it poses for children’s sleep schedules.

Additionally, there’s concern about the practical effects of a permanent time change. For example, adopting year-round daylight saving time in northern states like New Hampshire could result in very late winter sunrises, which might affect morning routines and overall safety during the darker hours.

A Look Back at Daylight Saving Time

Historically, daylight saving time was first enacted in 1918 by President Woodrow Wilson as a fuel-saving measure during World War I. Although it became a staple of American life, the system has been tweaked several times over the decades—from adjustments during the 1973 oil embargo to the extension in 2007 that currently sees daylight saving time beginning on the second Sunday in March and ending on the first Sunday in November.

Looking Ahead

As daylight saving time begins on March 9, 2025, the debate over its future remains unresolved. State-level efforts and federal proposals continue to spark discussion, reflecting a nation divided over whether to stick with the traditional clock changes or embrace a more permanent schedule. For now, Americans will have to keep adjusting their clocks—while lawmakers, experts, and communities weigh the benefits and drawbacks of a potential permanent shift in timekeeping.

Whether the change will ever come remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that as we move into this new season, the conversation about time—and how best to use it—is far from over.