Why Some States Win And Others Lose With Permanent Daylight Saving Time

The Sunshine Protection Act has officially passed the House of Representatives, and the possibility of never having to change your clock every six months will now be decided by the Senate. 

But I have a question. 

If this passes and is signed into law. Is permanent daylight savings time really the best way to go for every state? Some research indicates that not every state will benefit equally from permanent daylight savings time. 

According to msn.com,
‘Americans could see dramatically different effects from permanent daylight saving time depending on where they live, with Southern states emerging as some of the biggest beneficiaries while parts of the Upper Midwest and Northern New England could face some of the largest drawbacks.’ 

Who benefits the most? 

Newsweek has done an analysis which they claim shows that while all states will wind up having more daylight in the evening hours. Not all states would potentially benefit economically, claiming that the impact would vary in time zone, geography, and latitude. 

According to this research, the biggest winners are going to be southern states with Florida being the biggest winner, along with Texas and most of the Gulf Coast. More daylight in the evening Is better for the tourist economy, beach visits, outdoor dining, theme parks and retail activity 

 

The biggest losers will be the Northern States Like Maine, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. Although Washington state will see a mixed impact. 

Is there a better idea? 

A 2026 government poll said that 64% of Americans would prefer not having to change their clock time twice a year, experts in public health believe that going to permanent Standard Time is much healthier than going to permanent daylight savings time. 

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine President (AASM) Dr. Fariha Abbasi-Feinberg said permanent standard time is “the healthier choice for all Americans” 

The idea is that permanent Standard Time is better aligned with Human sleep patterns and biology, saying that morning light “plays an important role in regulating sleep, alertness and overall health” 

Is it going to happen? 

On the surface, this looks like it will come into law. But there are some senators that are opposed like Tom Cotton of Arkansas. He has been opposed to the idea, among others. 

Ultimately, if this comes into law, it looks like the benefits will not be evenly distributed across the United States. 

If the only reason you want permanent daylight savings time is because you’re tired of changing your clock every six months. Then you might want to look a little deeper.