WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) reintroduced H.R. 7996, the Linemen Legacy Act, which would include utility line technicians under the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) definition of “emergency response providers.”
The bill would properly recognize the role of utility line technicians in the aftermath of natural disasters. Congressman Donald Norcross (D-NJ) is co-leading the bipartisan legislation.
“Utility linemen perform heroic work after natural disasters. We see this firsthand in Louisiana, as linemen work tirelessly for weeks to restore power to our state after a major hurricane,” said Rep. Higgins. “Our bill both honors linemen and streamlines storm recovery efforts by enhancing the Stafford Act definition of first responders.”
“The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) proudly endorses the Lineman Legacy Act, introduced by Representatives Clay Higgins and Donald Norcross. When disaster strikes, electrical contractors and their linemen are among the first on the ground, working around the clock to restore power and keep communities safe. They run toward danger while others are told to stay away and federal law should reflect that reality,” said Marco Giamberardino, NECA Chief Communications Officer. “This bipartisan legislation delivers long-overdue recognition to the men and women who risk their lives to restore our grid in the wake of hurricanes, winter storms, and other emergencies. NECA commends Representatives Higgins and Norcross for honoring the safety risks linemen face every day and urges swift passage of this meaningful legislation.”
