Will NY & US Lawmakers Make Daylight Saving Time Permanent?

Efforts are underway on both the state and national levels to make Daylight Saving Time permanent.

It was a measure that was initially implemented to save energy. Regardless of its intentions, it seems it mostly taps our time and energy. And if you are on the side of eliminating our bi-annual 1 hour time jump, your wish could be coming true.

Daylight Saving Time Could Become Permanent In the Near Future

Efforts and legislation are being proposed at both the state and national levels that would make Daylight Saving Time permanent for New York state residents. First, according to a Spectrum News story, State Senator Joe Griffo and Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara are both behind New York legislation that would make Daylight Saving Time permanent on the Empire State. Surrounding states would also have to apply the measure to gain federal approval, and at this point, only Pennsylvania and New Jersey are looking at a similar change. So New York legislation could end up being a dead end.

There Is Hope: Another Effort For DST Time Nationally

However, what happens on the state level could end up being inconsequential because there is also an effort being made by the federal government to make Daylight Saving Time permanent nationally. CNN says the senate passed 'The Sunshine Protection Act' this week to stick our 'spring ahead time' year-round. The bill would still need to be voted in by Congress with a final seal of approval from the President. But if the bill does move forward, the permanent time change would go into effect in 2023.

The negative effect of the 1-hour time shift twice a year is well documented for its negative health effects, and you need to look no further than your own disrupted sleep patterns this week that the time change throws your whole body out of whack. Not to mention that late-day darkness at 5 pm can just be dreary in the winter months. Having that extra hour of daylight in the evening hours could lead to a much brighter winter existence for New Yorkers in the years ahead.