Ever wondered why you didn’t have to “spring forward” this year in Pennsylvania? You’re not alone—and yes, it’s intentional. In 2025, Pennsylvania officially joined a small group of U.S. states that have opted out of Daylight Saving Time (DST), keeping clocks consistent all year long.
But they’re not doing it alone. Another state—Arizona—has done the same for years. Here’s why both states are saying goodbye to time changes.
🔥 What Changed in 2025?
A new state law in Pennsylvania went into effect this spring, allowing the state to permanently stay on standard time year-round—no more adjusting clocks twice a year.
➤ No more spring forward/fall back confusion
➤ Clocks now stay the same in winter and summer
➤ Pennsylvania aligns with Arizona as the second state to ditch DST entirely (Hawaii also doesn’t observe DST, but for different historical reasons)
🧠 Why Pennsylvania Opted Out of Daylight Saving Time
The reasoning is surprisingly simple—and practical:
✅ Health concerns: Studies have shown that shifting time twice a year disrupts sleep patterns, increases heart attack risk, and affects mental health.
✅ Energy impact is minimal: While DST was originally designed to save energy, modern data suggests the savings are barely noticeable.
✅ Consistency for business and schools: The switch eliminates scheduling headaches for companies, schools, and workers dealing with digital systems and interstate meetings.
“The time change just doesn’t make sense anymore,” said State Senator Lisa Molloy, one of the bill’s main sponsors. “Why are we changing the clocks when we don’t have to?”
📍 Pennsylvania and Arizona: An Unlikely Pair
While Pennsylvania just made the shift, Arizona has skipped DST since 1968.
Now, both states stay on standard time year-round—meaning no more lost sleep or adjusting car clocks twice a year.
Hawaii also does not observe DST, but its unique tropical location already offers consistent daylight throughout the year.
📊 What Americans Think About Daylight Saving
According to a 2025 Pew Research poll:
- 🕰️ 62% of Americans want to eliminate Daylight Saving Time altogether
- ✅ 70% of Pennsylvanians supported the state’s decision to stay on standard time
- 😴 81% said losing an hour in spring affected their sleep or mood
⚠️ What Drivers and Workers Should Know
📌 Commuters may notice changes in traffic flow, as rush hour now starts and ends under different lighting.
📌 If you work across state lines, be aware of time differences—especially with New York and New Jersey, which still follow DST.
📌 Digital devices may auto-adjust, so double-check your phone settings to avoid confusion.
🔗 Final Word
No more clock chaos. Pennsylvania is now one of just a few states keeping its clocks steady all year long. Whether you support the change or miss the lighter evenings, the time shift is officially over—for good.
