Niagara Leader

On July 18, 2024, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) urged the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to reconsider expanding regulations that could potentially lead to the closure of volunteer fire departments across New York.

In February, OSHA introduced a new safety and health standard to replace the Fire Brigades Standard, proposing 22 additional rules for all fire departments. These include mandatory facility upgrades and increased training requirements. The proposal would also apply to volunteer fire departments in New York, despite their significant financial and operational limitations. In May, Tenney signed a letter to Assistant Secretary of Labor Douglas Parker urging OSHA to reevaluate these rules and extend the public comment period.

“The proposed OSHA rules would place an incredible burden on the brave men and women who serve our communities across NY-24,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “Following many discussions with volunteer firefighters and fire departments, I strongly urge OSHA to review this rule and consider the negative impact this will have on New York’s volunteer fire departments. We must ensure our public servants are not burdened by unfunded mandates that will only hinder already strained departments.”