Vermont doesn’t currently opt out of Daylight Saving Time (DST); it observes DST in alignment with the majority of northeastern states. Historically, Vermont wrestled with DST adoption, initially opposing it due to mixed public reactions, farming concerns, and disruptions to routines. There were decades-long debates and legislative efforts before Vermont adopted DST statewide in 2005 to align better with neighboring states and support economic coordination. Vermont’s approach reflects its independent spirit and cautious consideration of the practical impacts of time changes, including concerns like children waiting for buses in the dark.
Along with Vermont, the other well-known state that does not observe DST is Hawaii, primarily because its near-equatorial location results in relatively consistent daylight throughout the year, making clock adjustments unnecessary. Another is Arizona, which opted out due to its hot desert climate and potential energy consumption concerns related to DST.
The very simple reason why Vermont (and Hawaii) don’t resist skipping or modifying DST is rooted in practical lifestyle and geographic factors: Vermont wrestled historically with DST due to societal and agricultural concerns and aimed to harmonize with neighbors, while Hawaii’s consistent daylight hours remove the need for seasonal shifts. Congress’s regulations also govern state-level DST exemptions, so any changes like year-round DST require federal approval.
Vermont historically debated DST due to practical and social factors, finally adopting it for consistency with neighbors.
Hawaii and Arizona are the main two states that currently do not observe DST due to location and climate.
Federal law allows exemptions but requires congressional approval for permanent DST changes.
SOURCES
(https://vermontdailychronicle.com/vermonts-evolving-relationship-with-daylight-saving-time/)(https://landline.media/daylight-saving-time-debated-in-30-states/)
(https://www.vermontpublic.org/2022-03-15/the-senate-approves-a-bill-to-make-daylight-saving-time-permanent)
(https://www.ncsl.org/transportation/daylight-saving-time-state-legislation)
(https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R45208)
