Congress may kill the federal heat rule before OSHA can

The federal heat rule, aimed at protecting workers from heat-related illnesses, has been a long time coming. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) proposed the rule in 2021, but it has been stuck in bureaucratic limbo ever since. The rule's delay is particularly concerning given the increasing frequency and severity of heatwaves, which are exacerbated by climate change. As the solar industry continues to grow, outdoor workers in the sector will be disproportionately affected by extreme heat.

The congressional committee's move to block the rule is a setback for worker safety advocates and a worrying sign that politics is trumping evidence-based policy. The solar industry, which relies heavily on outdoor labor for installation and maintenance, has a vested interest in ensuring that workers are protected from heat-related illnesses. Heat stress can be a major productivity killer, not to mention a serious health risk. By blocking the rule, Congress is essentially prioritizing politics over the well-being of workers who are critical to the solar industry's success.

As the summer of record-breaking heat continues, all eyes will be on Congress to see if they follow through on their threat to kill the federal heat rule. The solar industry should be paying close attention, as the lack of a federal heat safety standard will leave workers vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. What's next to watch: whether the full Congress will vote to block the rule, and how OSHA will respond to the setback. Will the agency find alternative ways to enforce heat safety standards, or will the issue be left to individual states to address? The stakes are high, and the solar industry has a lot to lose if workers are not protected from the increasingly severe heat.

Originally reported by grist.org. SolarNews adds analysis for climate & energy readers.