Narrative of Resolution:
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Oppose OSHA’s Emergency Response Standard as Currently Proposed
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RESOLUTION INTRODUCED BY THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE OPPOSING
OSHA’S EMERGENCY RESPONSE STANDARD AS CURRENTLY PROPOSED
WHEREAS, the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently released its proposed Emergency Response Standard, outlining new standards for emergency response personnel and agencies, both volunteer and paid; and
WHEREAS, Sullivan County’s public safety and emergency response leaders have shared grave concerns with one another and this Legislature about this proposal, should it be enacted; and
WHEREAS, all but one of Sullivan County’s 40 fire districts are completely volunteer and operate on small, taxpayer-supported budgets; and
WHEREAS, the proposal’s “one size fits all” approach makes it virtually impossible for rural fire districts to implement without significant tax hikes and costly procedural changes, including the hiring of clerical staff and as much as a 40% increase in annual budgets in order to maintain compliance; and
WHEREAS, the time given to review the proposal has not been sufficient, with comments due by July 22, 2024; and
WHEREAS, the NYS Association of Counties, Conference of Mayors, Association of Towns and other large organizations have agreed this proposal threatens to deeply harm, even shut down, struggling fire departments across New York State and beyond;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Sullivan County Legislature joins firefighters and advocacy organizations in demanding OSHA make changes to this proposed rule that would not be unduly burdensome on our volunteer first-responders serving rural areas such as ours; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Legislature requests the comment and review period be extended at least to September 21, 2024, as requested by the NYS Association of Counties, to permit a thorough understanding of the impacts of this proposal; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Legislature asks our Federal representatives to join it in advocating for an OSHA proposal that is technically and economically feasible for small-sized emergency response agencies such as those that serve Sullivan County.
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