Governor Greg Gianforte has raised serious concerns about a proposed federal rule that he believes could severely affect firefighting operations in Montana. The rule, put forward by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), suggests replacing the current “Fire Brigade Standard” with a new “Emergency Response” standard, which would significantly expand OSHA’s oversight of firefighting activities.
In a letter to Deputy Assistant Labor Secretary James Frederick, Gov. Gianforte highlighted what he views as potentially “catastrophic” consequences for the state’s firefighting capabilities. He expressed concern that the rule’s increased regulatory scope could undermine the effectiveness of wildland firefighting and place undue financial strain on volunteer fire departments across Montana and beyond.
Governor Gianforte acknowledged OSHA’s “good intentions” in seeking to enhance firefighter safety but warned that the proposed rule could have significant unintended effects. He described the rule as an example of “bureaucratic creep,” criticizing OSHA for attempting to regulate areas in which it lacks historical experience and expertise.
The governor’s apprehensions were echoed during a recent meeting with volunteer firefighters in Conrad, where the proposed rule was a major topic of discussion. According to Gianforte, the volunteer firefighters expressed strong concerns about how the rule might impact their operations and their ability to continue serving their communities effectively.
One of the key issues raised was the financial burden of compliance. OSHA estimates that the new rule could cost volunteer fire departments more than $14,000 annually. Governor Gianforte warned that such costs could be prohibitive for many departments, potentially leading to reduced operational capabilities and diminished community service.
In his letter to Frederick, Gianforte also included public comments on the proposed rule from Amanda Kaster, Director of the Department of Natural Resources, and Sarah Swanson, Commissioner of the Department of Labor & Industry. Both officials supported the governor’s concerns about the rule’s potential impact on Montana’s firefighting efforts.
As the debate over the proposed rule continues, Governor Gianforte remains committed to advocating for the needs of Montana’s firefighting community and ensuring that any new regulations do not inadvertently hinder their critical work.
Read the governor’s letter to Deputy Assistant Labor Secretary James Frederick here.
By: Montana Newsroom staff
