Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, representing New York’s 24th District, joined local officials and volunteer firefighters in Oswego County to express concerns over proposed regulatory changes by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
The proposed regulations aim to replace the existing Fire Brigades Standard with 22 new rules, which include mandatory facility upgrades and increased training requirements for all fire departments, including volunteer units.
These proposed changes could place significant financial and operational burdens on volunteer fire departments across the state, leading to potential closures.
As reported by the office of Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, Tenney emphasized the importance of reconsidering these regulations to protect the viability of these essential services in rural communities.
Congresswoman Tenney has been actively meeting with volunteer fire departments throughout New York’s 24th District to discuss the potential impact of these regulations.
Her efforts have included events in Niagara County, Seneca County, and Oswego County.
In Oswego, she was joined by Chairman of the Oswego County Legislature James Weatherup, Oswego County Clerk Terry Wilbur, and Salina Town Supervisor Nick Paro, who echoed her concerns about the impact on local emergency services.
Local officials in Oswego County have expressed strong opposition to the proposed OSHA regulations.
Chairman of the Oswego County Legislature James Weatherup stated: “It is crucial that local fire departments in our rural communities are considered when new regulations are proposed, threatening our emergency services.
“I am committed to working with Rep. Tenney to ensure OSHA reconsiders these burdensome regulations and that our firefighters have the resources they need.”
Oswego County Clerk Terry Wilbur also voiced his support for Congresswoman Tenney’s efforts, emphasizing the vital role that volunteer firefighters play in the community.
He said: “Our firefighters are the backbone of our community and deserve resources and support that will allow them to do their jobs effectively and safely.
“I stand with Congresswoman Tenney in calling for OSHA to revise these burdensome regulations.”
Congresswoman Tenney’s campaign against the proposed OSHA regulations continued in Jefferson County, where she was joined by local officials including Assemblymen Scott Gray and Ken Blankenbush, Watertown Mayor Sarah Compo-Pierce, and Chair of the County Legislature Bill Johnson.
Together, they urged OSHA to reconsider the new regulations due to their potential impact on volunteer fire departments.
During the event, Tenney reiterated her commitment to supporting volunteer fire departments across her district, stating: “Volunteer fire departments are the backbone of many rural communities, providing critical emergency services with limited resources.
“OSHA’s proposed regulations, while well-intentioned, could have devastating consequences for these departments.”
The opposition to OSHA’s proposed regulations has garnered attention across various counties in New York’s 24th District.
Local leaders and volunteer firefighters alike are concerned about the financial and operational implications of the new rules, which could strain already limited resources and lead to the closure of volunteer fire departments.
Congresswoman Tenney has vowed to continue her advocacy for these departments, working to ensure they have the necessary resources to operate effectively and safely.
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney and local officials in New York’s 24th District are raising concerns about OSHA’s proposed changes to fire department regulations, which could impose significant financial and operational burdens on volunteer fire departments across the state.
The new regulations, which include mandatory facility upgrades and increased training requirements, have prompted Tenney to campaign for their reconsideration, fearing they could lead to the closure of these essential services in rural communities.
Local officials in Oswego and Jefferson counties have joined Tenney in urging OSHA to revise the rules, emphasizing the importance of maintaining volunteer fire departments’ ability to provide critical emergency services.
