Legislation Introduced to Eliminate Daylight Saving Time in New York
Effort to Avoid Confusion and Health Risks
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Legislation has been introduced in the state assembly that would eliminate Daylight Saving Time (DST) in New York. The bill would do away with the usual biannual clock changes and propose the idea of the state staying on standard time year-round.
Health Benefits of Standard Time
The legislation cites reports from institutions such as the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the American Medical Association, with studies showing that daily schedule transitions for DST can cause adverse health impacts. By staying on standard time, New York can help residents avoid the confusion and health risks caused by DST transitions, especially as the days grow shorter in the winter.
Support for the Legislation
Introduced by Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, the concept has previously received bipartisan support, with state Senator Joseph Griffo having sponsored related legislation in the state senate during the 2023-2024 legislative session. "Daylight Saving Time no longer serves its original purpose and has proven to disrupt daily life, affecting everything from sleep patterns to productivity," said Assemblyman Santabarbara. "By staying on standard time, New York can help residents avoid the confusion and health risks caused by DST transitions."
New York to Join Arizona and Hawaii
If adopted, New York would join Arizona and Hawaii, which have already exempted themselves from Daylight Saving Time. States are permitted to opt out of the practice under the Uniform Time Act of 1966.
FAQs
Q: What is Daylight Saving Time?
A: Daylight Saving Time is the practice of setting clocks forward one hour in the spring, typically in March, and backward one hour in the fall, typically in November.
Q: Why is Daylight Saving Time no longer effective?
A: The original purpose of Daylight Saving Time was to conserve energy by making better use of natural daylight. However, studies have shown that the benefits are minimal, and the disruptions to daily life and health risks associated with DST transitions outweigh any potential benefits.
Q: How would eliminating Daylight Saving Time affect New York?
A: If adopted, eliminating Daylight Saving Time would mean that New York would stay on standard time year-round, avoiding the confusion and health risks associated with DST transitions.
Q: Are there any other states that have opted out of Daylight Saving Time?
A: Yes, Arizona and Hawaii are the only two states that have opted out of Daylight Saving Time.
