August 7, 2027 2:50 a.m. 

On Wednesday, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and Third-District U.S. Representative Maxine Dexter introduced the Farmworker Smoke and Excessive Heat Protection Act.

A release said the legislation would put safeguards in place for farm workers facing the dangers of wildfire smoke and extreme weather.

Merkley said, “Climate chaos is creating hotter, longer summers and leading to a deadlier wildfire season, putting many farmworkers at risk of smoke – and health related issues on the job”. Merkley said, “Protecting them from the dangers of hazardous smoke is good for workers, good for employers, and good for the public who rely on their products”.

Dexter said, “As a lung and critical care doctor, I’ve seen how wildfire smoke destroys lungs and lives. Farm workers are among the most exposed, laboring in hazardous air to keep food on our tables.” Dexter said, “Their health and safety are not optional, and Oregon has long led the way in protecting outdoor workers”.

The full text of the Farmworker Smoke and Excessive Heat Protection Act can be found at: C:\Users\WIL\AppData\Local\Temp\WIL25279.loc