Empire State Review Team 
Understanding Daylight Saving Time: History and Current Perspectives
Historical Overview of Daylight Saving Time
Daylight saving time (DST) was officially implemented in the United States in 1918 during World War I as a strategy to conserve fuel. This practice was adopted to make better use of daylight, enabling more activities to be conducted in broader daylight hours.
Debate Over Ending Daylight Saving Time
The annual transition to DST often sparks discussions about its viability and relevance. A notable instance arose when then-President-elect Donald Trump indicated a desire to abolish the time change in December. Currently, a bipartisan initiative known as the Sunshine Protection Act seeks to make DST permanent; however, it has faced delays in Congress, including reintroduction this year.
While DST offers extended daylight in evenings throughout spring and summer, it can also be a source of contention, prompting yearly debates about whether to eliminate the practice entirely.
Public Opinion Shift
Recent polling data indicates significant changes in American attitudes towards daylight saving time. A Gallup survey conducted from January 21-27, 2025, revealed that just 40% of respondents currently support DST. This marks a stark decline from past decades, where support was as high as 73% in 1999.
According to the same poll, 54% of Americans express a desire to abolish the practice. This data highlights evolving opinions on an issue that resonates with a broad demographic.
Preferences for Standard Time vs. Daylight Saving Time
Among those surveyed, 48% indicated a preference for maintaining standard time year-round, even if it meant sacrificing some summer daylight. Medical professionals, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, support this stance, advocating for standard time as it aligns better with natural circadian rhythms and promotes healthier sleep patterns.
As discussions surrounding the future of timekeeping continue, the question remains: which time standard should the country adopt if DST were to be eliminated—standard time or DST itself?
