Senator John Hoeven wants volunteer fire departments to be exempt from a proposed new rule by OSHA. Hoeven says the new rule would require replacing equipment and providing assessments and training all of which would be a financial burden for volunteer departments. In response to the new rule, Hoeven, Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kansas) and their colleagues pressed Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su to exempt volunteer fire departments from parts of the proposed rule. The effort was joined by Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Angus King (I-Maine), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.). Senator Hoeven issued a statement to OSHA which has also heard from a number of firefighters concerned about the potential new rule. OSHA says it is reevaluating the impact of the rule and will hold a virtual public meeting November 12th. The link for the meeting is posted at OSHA.gov/emergency-response/rulemaking.
