Additional Coverage:
- Elon Musk polls X users on ending daylight saving time (foxbusiness.com)
X Users Weigh In on Daylight Saving Time Debate
Billionaire Elon Musk recently took to his social media platform, X, to gauge public opinion on the perennial daylight saving time (DST) debate. He asked users whether they would prefer permanent DST, effectively shifting the clock forward by an hour, or a return to permanent standard time.
Over 1.2 million users responded, with a clear majority, about 58%, favoring the later time. This suggests a preference for extending daylight into the evening hours year-round.
The poll reignites a discussion that has been simmering in the U.S. for years, with lawmakers repeatedly considering ending the biannual clock adjustments. Currently, all states except Arizona and Hawaii observe DST.
Making DST or standard time permanent nationwide requires Congressional action. Although 18 states have passed legislation to implement permanent DST pending federal approval, the change remains stalled.
In 2022, the Senate unanimously passed the Sunshine Protection Act, which would have made DST permanent. However, the bill failed to advance in the House. Since then, various bills have been introduced, some aiming for permanent DST, others allowing states greater autonomy in deciding their time observance.
The impact of clock changes has been the subject of numerous studies. A 1975 study by the National Bureau of Standards found no significant energy savings or changes in traffic fatalities related to DST.
Other research has yielded mixed results on traffic accidents, with some long-term studies suggesting a potential positive impact, though possibly unrelated to daylight. A 2008 Department of Energy study found a negligible decrease in electricity consumption with extended DST.
Health effects have also been considered. A 2013 study linked clock changes to a temporary increase in heart attacks.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has recommended adopting permanent standard time, arguing that it better aligns with human circadian rhythms and promotes public health. The debate continues, with public opinion, as evidenced by Musk’s poll, clearly favoring longer evenings.
Read More About This Story:
- Elon Musk polls X users on ending daylight saving time (foxbusiness.com)