Idaho’s Risch, Others, Look To Block Heat Related Work Rules

Republican senators Jim Risch of Idaho and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, along with six GOP colleagues, have introduced the Heat Workforce Standards Act.  They say the bill aims to block a proposed federal rule from the Biden administration that would set nationwide workplace heat standards.  The rule, proposed in 2024, would require measures like mandatory breaks and additional recordkeeping tied to heat levels.

“One-size-fits-all federal heating standards prevent small businesses and farmers from appropriately protecting the people they employ,” Risch said. “The Heat Workforce Standards Act will stop the implementation of a disastrous rule that ignores vastly different workplace and regional conditions, and returns the ability to set heat standards back to state and local leaders.”

One-size-fits-all Doesn't Work

“Protecting Louisiana workers is my top priority. The Democrats’ proposal puts workers at risk and threatens their livelihoods,” noted Louisiana Republican senator Bill Cassidy.  "Any effort on worker safety should provide needed clarity and flexibility to ensure Louisianans can earn a paycheck in a safe working environment.”

Other senators supporting the proposal include: Idaho's Mike Crapo, Alabama's Tommy Tuberville, North Carolina's Ted Budd, Montana's Steve Daines & Tim Sheehy, as well as John Cornyn from Texas.

Supporters of the new legislation include the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation, North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers and many others nationwide. 

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