Clock policy reflects changing priorities about energy, transportation and daily life. It has never changed the amount of sunlight.
- 1895 and 1907 · Early proposals
George Vernon Hudson proposed an early modern daylight-saving scheme; William Willett later promoted the idea in Britain. The origin was not a benefit designed for farmers. Research background.
- 1918 · US adoption
The Standard Time Act established federal time zones and seasonal DST during World War I. BTS history.
- 1942–45 · War Time
Congress used year-round DST during World War II, then ended it in 1945. CRS R45208.
- 1966 · Uniform Time Act
Federal law standardized seasonal transitions while allowing states to opt out. DOT overview.
- 1974–75 · A winter experiment
The emergency trial began January 6, 1974. Congress amended it to restore standard time from October 27, 1974 to February 23, 1975. The trial ended April 27, 1975. CRS account.
- 2007 · Longer seasonal DST
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 changed the transition schedule beginning in 2007. NIST explanation.
- Modern efforts · Check the session
Bills are reintroduced across congressional sessions. An old vote is not proof of current law. Review legislative evidence.
About that farmer story
The farmer-origin story is inaccurate. Agricultural opposition reflected conflicts between daylight-based work and market schedules. Research background.
Why the 1974 trial matters
Winter morning darkness became a major concern. Contemporary evidence on safety and energy was difficult to separate from other factors. The trial deserves scrutiny, not a promise that permanent DST has already been proved successful. CRS evidence review.
Editorial review: 2026-11-01. Source details and caveats. Campaign preferences are advocacy; legislative records are dated evidence.