Daylight Saving Time (DST) is a practice used to make better use of daylight during the evenings by setting clocks forward in spring and back in fall. While most of the United States observes DST, Wyoming, along with one other state, takes a more complicated stance on the issue.
Wyoming’s Complex Relationship with Daylight Saving Time
Wyoming currently does observe daylight saving time officially, following the national schedule of springing forward and falling back. However, the state has a strong and ongoing debate about ending the practice or adopting permanent daylight saving time year-round. Lawmakers in Wyoming have passed symbolic bills aimed at making DST permanent, but these changes depend on federal approval, which has not yet been finalized.
The main reason behind Wyoming’s resistance to the twice-yearly clock changes is the widespread public dislike and confusion surrounding the disruptions DST causes.
Many Wyomingites find the shifting clocks unnecessary and inconvenient, and believe it harms productivity and health by disrupting sleep patterns. Additionally, Wyoming’s outdoor lifestyle means people want more daylight after work and school to enjoy outdoor activities, which permanent DST would provide.
Senator Dan Laursen, a key advocate in Wyoming, sponsored a law enabling the state to switch to year-round daylight saving time, but only if neighboring states also do so. This is to avoid confusion caused by odd time differences between nearby states. Despite Wyoming’s desire, federal law currently prevents states from unilaterally adopting permanent DST without congressional approval.
The Other State That Doesn’t Observe DST: Arizona
Alongside Wyoming’s debate about DST, there is one clear example of a state that does not observe it at all: Arizona. Arizona banned daylight saving time back in 1968 and remains on Mountain Standard Time year-round.
The primary reason Arizona opts out is its hot desert climate. Keeping clocks on standard time means the sun sets earlier in the summer months, which helps reduce energy consumption by limiting the amount of time homes need air conditioning during the hottest parts of the day. People are indoors less during cooler evening hours, saving electricity.
The only exception within Arizona is the Navajo Nation, which spans multiple states and does observe DST to stay consistent with its territory.
Why Only Two States?
Federal law mandates uniform observance of DST starting and ending dates for states that choose to participate, but it also allows states to opt out of DST entirely and remain on standard time year-round. As it stands, only Hawaii and Arizona have chosen to opt out permanently.
Wyoming is among a growing number of states that are frustrated with switching clocks and have passed laws or resolutions calling for permanent daylight saving time. But until federal law changes, the practice of changing clocks twice a year remains mandatory for most states, including Wyoming.
The Bottom Line
Wyoming currently observes DST but has legislation supporting permanent DST that awaits federal approval.
The main reason Wyoming resists clock changes is the negative impact on health, productivity, and lifestyle.
Arizona and Hawaii are the only states that do not observe daylight saving time, with Arizona’s decision linked to energy savings and climate conditions.
Federal law currently limits states’ flexibility regarding permanent DST, meaning broad change requires congressional action.
Wyoming doesn’t fully opt out of daylight saving time but hopes to adopt permanent daylight saving time soon, joining a national movement seeking to end the disruptive clock changes. Meanwhile, Arizona remains the example of a state that has chosen simplicity over seasonal clock switching, thanks to its unique climatic needs.
This makes Wyoming and Arizona unique in their stance on daylight saving time across the United States.
Sources
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daylight_saving_time_in_the_United_States
[2] https://cowboystatedaily.com/2024/03/08/hate-changing-clocks-twice-a-year-blame-the-feds/
[3] https://www.forbes.com/sites/brittanyanas/2024/10/30/what-states-dont-do-daylight-savings/
[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daylight_saving_time
[5] https://cowboystatedaily.com/2022/06/07/permanent-daylight-saving-time-for-wyoming-just-got-one-step-closer/
