WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ) announced the introduction of the Linemen Legacy Act to classify power line technicians as “emergency response providers” under the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) definition.

“Lineworkers work tirelessly, often through the night, in dangerous conditions to restore power and ensure the safety of our communities and neighborhoods when needed most. Like our other emergency responders, utility line technicians are among the first to put themselves in harm’s way after disaster strikes,” Rep. Norcross said. As a former electrician by trade, I know just how dangerous of a job lineworkers have. We are seeing more severe weather, and we don’t need a PHD in that moment that disaster strikes, we need lineworkers to get the power back on. These are important jobs and deserve to be recognized on this day and every day for what they do to keep the power on. I’m proud to join this bipartisan effort to give these first responders the recognition they deserve and honor their skill, dedication, and hard work.”

The Homeland Security Act of 2002 defines occupations such as law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medicine technicians, and other public safety personnel as first responders. The Linemen Legacy Act will add lineworkers to the DHS definition.

“Lineman should be officially recognized as first responders along with police officers, firefighters and EMTs. While everyone runs from natural disasters, linemen run into them to ensure the safety of the public,” NEAT Safety Director George Stroup said. “Having been an IBEW Local 351 lineman for over 35 years and Director of Safety and Training for over 20 years, I can’t begin to tell you the number of birthdays, Christmases, and holidays that I will never get back because I answered the call to help restore power and get things back to normal with my fellow linemen. We deserve this official recognition as the first responders that we are proud to be.”

Rep. Norcross co-led the Lineman Legacy Act with Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA). More information on the legislation can be found here.

In July, Rep. Norcross joined a bipartisan group of more than 140 member of Congress in introducing a resolution to designate July 10 as Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day.