Res. No. 361
Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to petition Congress for authorization to permit year-round standard time and for the New York State Legislature to adopt, and the Governor to sign, legislation to adopt permanent standard time
By Council Members Morano and Stevens
Whereas, Daylight saving time was introduced in the United States to conserve energy during World War I, and was originally intended to be temporary; and
Whereas, Daylight saving time shifts clocks forward one hour ahead of standard time during the warmer months; and
Whereas, Prior to the adoption of daylight saving time, the United States was on year-round standard time; and
Whereas, Standard time aligns more closely with the position of the sun; and
Whereas, The federal Uniform Time Act of 1966 (“Uniform Time Act”) establishes nationwide observance of daylight saving time but permits states to exempt themselves and observe standard time year-round; and;
Whereas, The Uniform Time Act allows states to exempt themselves from the observance of daylight saving time and observe standard time year-round without Congressional approval; and
Whereas, The Uniform Time Act requires states to obtain Congressional approval in order to adopt year-round daylight saving time; and
Whereas, The biannual practice of “springing forward” and “falling back” disrupts sleep patterns, increases fatigue, and has been linked to a measurable uptick in heart attacks, strokes, and motor vehicle accidents in the days following each clock change; and
Whereas, Public health organizations such as the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the National Sleep Foundation have urged governments to adopt permanent standard time, citing the alignment of standard time with natural circadian rhythms and the resulting benefits for physical and mental health; and
Whereas, Studies have shown that maintaining a time schedule consistent with sunrise and sunset improves alertness, productivity, and overall well-being, particularly among children, older adults, and workers with early start times; and
Whereas, Permanent daylight saving time, while offering longer daylight in the evening, would require darker mornings for much of the year, posing safety risks for schoolchildren, commuters, and pedestrians; and
Whereas, Eliminating the biannual clock change would provide greater consistency for businesses, schools, and families; and
Whereas, Eliminating daylight saving time would align New York with other states that have adopted standard time year-round; and
Whereas, Arizona and Hawaii already observe standard time year-round, and numerous other states have introduced bills seeking to end the biannual time change; and
Whereas, New York City, as a global financial and cultural center, has a strong interest in maintaining predictable and health-conscious time standards that support both economic efficiency and public well-being; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the New York State Legislature to petition Congress for authorization to permit year-round standard time and for the New York State Legislature to adopt, and the Governor to sign, legislation to adopt permanent standard time.
LS #20738
01/06/26
EHC