It’s Time to Save Standard Time

The U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee announced a markup meeting on May 21 to advance a proposal embedding permanent daylight saving time (DST) into the Motor Vehicle Modernization Act (H.R.7389). The amendment would adopt language from the stalled Sunshine Protection Act (H.R.139), mandating DST nationwide for all states except those opting out before the effective date, while blocking future exemptions. The move reflects bipartisan frustration with biannual clock changes, though opposition persists over regional impacts. Southern states like Florida, South Carolina, and Alabama support permanent DST for extended winter daylight, while northern states such as Massachusetts, New York, and Alaska oppose the shift, citing disruptions to school schedules and early sunrise challenges. Health experts and older Americans have long criticized DST for sleep disturbances and safety risks, complicating legislative progress. The debate transcends party lines, with supporters like Sen. Rick Scott and Secretary Marco Rubio framing it as a regional north-south conflict rather than ideological divide. The proposal follows decades of failed attempts to reform timekeeping, including expansions in 1986 and 2005 that extended DST duration. If approved, the change would eliminate seasonal clock adjustments but force a permanent tradeoff between commercial interests and public health concerns. Critics argue the measure lacks consensus, with northern states warning of severe winter darkness for children and workers. Supporters counter that the status quo is inefficient, urging Congress to resolve the issue once and for all. The markup on May 21 marks the latest push to ‘lock the clock,’ but regional and health-based opposition may delay final passage.