Working Sun Up to Sun Down

So far in 2026, 16 states have introduced more than 20 bills that would make either standard time (ST) or daylight saving time (DST) permanent. Federal legislation has also been introduced to make DST permanent across the country, which would in effect take away the ability of states to set their own laws in this regard. Currently, 48 states observe daylight saving time, with the exceptions being Arizona and Hawaii.

The debate between ST and DST is especially notable in states north of the 37^th parallel – above which 80% of all propane gallons are sold – given the reduced amount of sunlight they receive during the winter months when propane demand peaks. And the further north a state is located, the less daylight they receive during the heating season. For example, Minneapolis, Minnesota is situated on the 45^th parallel. Sunrise on January 15, 2026 was 7:48am. If Minnesota made daylight saving time permanent, sunrise in the city on January 15 would be 8:48am, an hour later. For drivers starting their delivery routes in the early morning, this would mean more time driving in the dark with reduced visibility. However, for drivers making deliveries in the evening, observing year-round DST would delay sunset by an hour.

For bobtail and transport drivers who start their days early, they may see more value in continuing to observe ST. And for drivers who start their routes later in the morning and work longer into the evening, they may prefer to have year-round DST. In the end, the benefits and drawbacks of altering time would impact each marketer differently, depending on where they are located, the types of customers they serve, and driver preference for more sunlight in the morning or evening hours.

For more information on state legislative efforts to “lock in the clock,” contact NPGA’s Senior Director of State Advocacy & Affairs, Jacob Peterson.