From MoneyWeek · · 2m
Time change debate intensifies
US pushes permanent daylight saving as energy crisis hits.
In brief
US pushes permanent daylight saving as energy crisis hits. US House passes Sunshine Protection Act to shift to permanent daylight saving time, backed by Trump, who claims it boosts golf revenue. Originally reported by MoneyWeek.
Quick answers
- When did we start changing clocks?
- Britain began changing clocks during World War I to save energy, following Edwardian builder William Willett's 1907 proposal for daylight saving time.
- Why do countries change clocks?
- About 70 countries adjust clocks to save energy, but most of Europe, North America, and New Zealand follow the practice while Africa, Asia, and South America rarely do.
- Why permanent daylight saving time?
- Standard time aligns better with natural light cycles, while daylight saving time causes dark mornings in winter and health risks like heart attacks and poor academic performance.
- Why does Trump support the law?
- Trump's motivation is linked to golf, as PGA Tour chief Brian Rolapp calculated that permanent daylight saving time would generate 23 million additional golf rounds annually.
- What happens next?
- The US Senate must approve the Sunshine Protection Act for permanent daylight saving time to take effect across the country.
When did we start changing clocks?
Britain began changing clocks during World War I to save energy, following Edwardian builder William Willett's 1907 proposal for daylight saving time.
Why do countries change clocks?
About 70 countries adjust clocks to save energy, but most of Europe, North America, and New Zealand follow the practice while Africa, Asia, and South America rarely do.
Earth's tilt causes daylight differences
The Earth's 23.4-degree tilt creates longer days in summer and shorter days in winter, with London having 16 hours 38 minutes daylight on 21 June and only 7 hours 49 minutes on 21 December.
Energy crisis boosts daylight saving debate
Proponents argue permanent daylight saving time could save the UK £1.2 billion to £2.3 billion annually and reduce carbon emissions by 3.5% in Ireland.
Trump supports daylight saving law
President Trump backs the Sunshine Protection Act, which would move the US to permanent daylight saving time, claiming it generates 23 million additional golf rounds yearly.
Why permanent daylight saving time?
Standard time aligns better with natural light cycles, while daylight saving time causes dark mornings in winter and health risks like heart attacks and poor academic performance.
US House passes daylight saving law
The US House of Representatives passed the Sunshine Protection Act, which would move the entire US to permanent daylight saving time if the Senate approves.
Why does Trump support the law?
Trump's motivation is linked to golf, as PGA Tour chief Brian Rolapp calculated that permanent daylight saving time would generate 23 million additional golf rounds annually.
What happens next?
The US Senate must approve the Sunshine Protection Act for permanent daylight saving time to take effect across the country.
The essence
US House passes Sunshine Protection Act to shift to permanent daylight saving time, backed by Trump, who claims it boosts golf revenue.
