Do Clocks Go Back or Forward? Daylight Savings Time 2015 Details & Why Arizona Do Not Change Their Clocks
On Sunday, Daylight Savings Time (DST) will come to an end for most states in America but for Arizona, a state that doesn't practice the tradition that has gone through generations for over a century, people don't need to tick clocks back.
For the last 40 years, Arizona has not observed DST, unlike almost the rest of states in the U.S., according to a report by Chris Kline of ABC 15. The outlet says the reason behind Arizona's decision is because of the extreme heat in the state, which other states do not experience.
An Arizona editorial dating back to 1969 reads, "[Data] clearly shows that we must wait until about 9 p.m. DST to start any night-time activity such as drive-in movies, moonlight rides, convincing little children it's bedtime, etc. And it's still hot as blazes!"
Get Our Latest News for FREE
Arizona was granted its request for an exemption when a permanent federal law was passed in 1973 that aimed to help ease the oil shortages that the U.S. experienced at that time. Until today, Arizona has been exempted from the law and continues to stand by its decision to not go by tradition.
However, Kline says Arizona's autonomy has resulted in a lot of confusion over the years among tourists and migrants who practice DST, and while the U.S. government the practice is supposed to save energy and fuel, Arizona's non-compliance is accepted by many of its residents.
On the other hand, Kline says some entities and individuals are all for saving time. Another Arizona Republic editorial written in 1969 says power servicing companies, golfers who prefer to enhance their skills during the night, people who wake up late, and "the people with business interests on the Eastern seaboard" expressed support for DST.
Daylight Savings Time ends on Sunday, November 1, 2015, at 2 a.m. in the U.S.
