Hate the “winter clock” and the short winter days? Ask your Congressional Reps to make Daylight Saving Time (aka the "summer clock") permanent.

In the past week, since changing the clocks back to Standard Time (and making winter days even shorter), social media has been flooded with people complaining about it. I deeply relate. And while complaining on social media feels like an outlet, the best way to effect change is through Congress. So, please contact your congressional representatives and ask them to cosponsor/support legislation that makes Daylight Savings Time permanent (which means keeping the summer clock year-round and making winter days an hour longer). If you need inspiration for what to write, below is the message I sent to my congressional representatives--feel free to copy, paste, and personalize it. I am in Massachusetts District 7, so you might need to slightly tweak it for your House reps and senators.

Disclaimer: I understand some people prefer Standard Time (aka the the status quo) or worry about darker mornings. We’ve all heard those arguments, and you are entitled to your views. I just ask that you respect those of us who are struggling with the shorter days every winter.

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Topic: Share Your Opinion
Subject: Support for Permanent Daylight Saving Time (Summer Time Year-Round)

Message: 
Dear [Representative Pressley / Senator Markey / Senator Warren], 
I am writing as your constituent to urge you to support legislation that would make Daylight Saving Time (summer time) permanent nationwide—so that we can enjoy longer daylight hours later in the day throughout the year, including in winter.

Please cosponsor and support legislation to make Daylight Saving Time permanent and oppose measures that would make standard time permanent, including any successor to the Sunshine Protection Act.

This change would not only align with public preference but also reflect decades of scientific and economic evidence showing that later daylight hours are better for health, productivity, and overall well-being.

Why permanent Daylight Saving Time (not standard time) makes sense:

A. Improved public health and mental well-being

1. Exposure to natural light later in the day helps regulate circadian rhythms, reduce seasonal affective disorder, and improve mood and sleep quality.
2. Morning darkness has minimal measurable harm, while evening daylight increases outdoor activity, exercise, and community engagement.

B. Enhanced productivity and energy efficiency

1. More usable daylight after work and school reduces artificial lighting demand and encourages recreation, commerce, and social activity.
2. Economic studies show small but consistent boosts in productivity and retail spending during extended daylight periods.

C. Fewer accidents and injuries

1. Studies show reductions in traffic accidents, pedestrian fatalities, and even crime rates during periods of extended evening daylight.
2. Permanent DST would avoid the twice-yearly clock changes that cause spikes in accidents and heart attacks.

D. Consistency and stability

1. Eliminating the “spring forward/fall back” disruption would stabilize sleep patterns, school schedules, and workplace routines.
2. Permanent DST provides predictable year-round conditions for transportation, business, and global coordination.

E. Public preference and bipartisan momentum

1. Polling consistently shows that most Americans dislike changing the clocks and prefer later daylight hours.
2. The U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Sunshine Protection Act in 2022, demonstrating strong bipartisan support for permanent DST.

As a Massachusetts resident, I know New England winters feel especially short and dark. Keeping the “summer clock” year-round would mean more light at the end of the day when people are actually awake and active, improving both quality of life and economic vitality.

I would appreciate a response by email indicating your office’s stance on this legislation and next steps. Thank you for your leadership and for considering this evidence-based, common-sense improvement to our daily lives.

Sincerely, 
[Your name and contact info]