Why Georgia Still Observes Daylight-Saving Time and Standard Time

As we do every year, this Sunday, November 5, 2023, we will roll our clocks back to observe Standard Time (Eastern Standard Time for us here in South Georgia and on the east coast). For that one day, we’ll get an extra hour of sleep, and for the remainder of our time until we “spring” forward, the darkness will come sooner in the evening time. Some people love being on Daylight-Saving Time while others prefer Standard Time.

Didn’t Georgia Pass a Law to Stay on Daylight-Saving Time?

Yes. Governor Brian Kemp signed into law in 2021 that Georgia would stay on Daylight-Saving Time year-round. However, without approval from the federal government, it really doesn’t mean anything.

The Uniform Time Act of 1966 established when daylight-saving time and standard time would be observed and gave states the option to not observe daylight saving time and remain on standard time year-round. That means if Georgia had elected to stay on standard time year-round, there would be no further action needed.

The Georgia Senate sided with Standard Time while the Georgia House of Representatives side with Daylight-Saving Time. In the end, DST won, Kemp signed it into law, and nothing happened. As stated earlier, without the approval of the US Congress to repeal or change the Uniform Time Act of 1966, any state that wants to stay on DST year-round can do so by the letter of the law, just not in practice.

Is it Safer or Better for Our Health to Be on Standard Time or Daylight-Saving Time?

A recent study has pinpointed job sectors that will reap significant advantages from the conclusion of daylight-saving time, with the transportation and utility industry leading the pack. This assessment is centered on the portion of night shift workers within each industry who will enjoy the benefits of an additional hour’s compensation and a shift in their daily routine. Retail employees, who may encounter difficulties winding down after work, are also poised to gain from this change. The study advises employers to reimburse night shift workers for the additional hour and provides suggestions for enhancing sleep patterns during the winter months.

It’s worth noting that the cessation of daylight-saving time can have a positive impact on night shift workers, leading to heightened productivity and improved profit margins. Furthermore, employees might discover it easier to adapt to their work environment due to reduced natural light, resulting in enhanced sleep quality and increased alertness during their night shifts. For those not engaged in night shifts, the time adjustment allows for an extra hour of sleep. To aid night shift workers in adapting, the study suggests investing in blackout blinds and adhering to a consistent sleep schedule.

Which Do You Prefer?

Are you a Standard Time person or do you prefer Daylight-Saving Time?