Even as much of the country faces frigid temperatures, lawmakers in a dozen states are preparing for dangerous heat waves this summer.
Twelve state legislatures are considering bills that would require employers to provide their workers with water, rest and shade during periods of high temperatures. A 13th state, New Mexico, is weighing a regulation that would offer similar protections.
The moves come as the Trump administration delays action on a federal heat rule proposed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration under former President Joe Biden. The administration, which has not indicated if it will finalize or kill the draft rule, purged a team of federal health experts last summer who had been working on extreme heat policies. Those firings were rescinded just last month.
The state bills indicate growing concern across the country about the effects of blistering heat waves as they become more common with global warming. The number of states with heat safety rules would nearly triple if all the bills are passed. Seven states currently have rules to protect workers during periods of life-threatening temperatures.
