Rockland Reporter

This morning, Congressman Mike Lawler joined Assemblyman Matt Slater, Putnam Valley Town Supervisor Jackie Annabi, Putnam Valley Fire Chief Frank DiMarco, and volunteer firefighters at a press conference calling for OSHA to reverse course on its proposed Environmental Response standard. The group expressed concerns that the new rule could jeopardize local volunteer fire departments.

"In my district, New York's 17th Congressional District, about 90% of our fire departments are run and serviced by volunteers. These are folks who step up to protect their neighbors, often without any compensation," said Congressman Lawler. "One of our local volunteer fire departments has an annual operating budget of $190,000. Out of that, they spend about $30,000 on physicals for their members. If these new rules come into play, their operating costs could skyrocket to between $300,000 and $500,000 a year. Another local department with a $660,000 budget would see costs increase by almost $300,000. This is an impossible burden for small departments to bear."

"If these volunteer departments can't afford to meet the new requirements, we could see many of them shut down. Imagine the impact of that – communities left without essential emergency services. This is a matter of life and death," Congressman Lawler concluded. "I urge OSHA to reconsider this proposed new rule. We need a more balanced and realistic approach. Exemptions for small, rural, and volunteer fire departments should be on the table, and we must explore ways to reduce financial and logistical burdens. We have to protect our first responders without jeopardizing the very services that keep our communities safe."

"This is the definition of an unfunded mandate; there's no doubt about it," said Assemblyman Matt Slater. "Just like in Albany, Washington is actually proposing something without having a clear and direct conversation with the people it will impact the most – the brave men and women standing behind me. The brave men and women who answer the call during emergencies. Putnam County is all volunteer services; if you look at the FASNY analysis if we lose our volunteer services property taxes are expected to have to go up by 45 percent."

"These unfunded mandates from the federal and from the state side have to stop – we've got to do something for our volunteers," said Putnam Valley Town Supervisor Jackie Annabi. "I know these men and women; I know if this is put through they'll do it because they're volunteers; they have their heart in it. But it can't happen because we can't afford this to happen for our taxpayers."

"It seems extremely unrealistic to expect volunteers to do what they're talking about," said Putnam Valley Fire Chief Frank DiMarco." It's not just training; it's equipment trucks and everything else. I think it would essentially cripple many volunteer fire departments."

Congressman Lawler represents New York's 17th Congressional District which includes parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.