Farmworker Smoke and Excessive Heat Protection Act of 2025
Summary
The Farmworker Smoke and Excessive Heat Protection Act of 2025 aims to establish an occupational safety and health standard to protect farmworkers from the hazards of wildfire smoke and excessive heat. It mandates the Secretary of Labor to create and enforce standards, including providing protective equipment, training, and rest breaks for farmworkers. The Act also emphasizes collaboration with community organizations to reach vulnerable farmworker populations.
Expected Effects
This act will likely lead to improved working conditions and health outcomes for farmworkers, particularly in regions prone to wildfires and extreme heat. It will also increase costs for agricultural employers due to the requirements for providing equipment, training, and rest breaks. This could lead to increased prices for consumers.
Potential Benefits
- Improved health and safety for farmworkers.
- Reduced risk of heat-related illnesses and smoke inhalation.
- Increased awareness and education regarding workplace hazards.
- Enhanced labor rights and worker protections.
- Potential for increased productivity due to healthier workforce.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased operational costs for agricultural employers.
- Potential for reduced agricultural output due to mandatory rest breaks.
- Possible challenges in enforcing the standard across diverse agricultural settings.
- Risk of litigation related to compliance and enforcement.
- Potential for increased food prices for consumers.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the Constitution's implied power to promote the general welfare through legislation that protects the health and safety of workers. Congress has the power to regulate interstate commerce, and this act could be seen as regulating the conditions under which agricultural goods are produced, which ultimately enter interstate commerce. The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).