Biden rolls out new extreme weather plans

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – President Joe Biden announced new measures to protect Americans from extreme weather events.

This comes as the earliest category five hurricane on record formed in the Atlantic and states in the west prepare for a record-breaking heat wave.

President Biden rolled out a series of actions, including a new labor rule to protect American workers from unprecedented heat. He says the rule helps an estimated 36 million workers.

“We’re going to face this tough summer, but we’ve taken significant steps,” said Biden.

Following a briefing with emergency officials and the Washington, D.C., mayor he underscored the need to respond to record-breaking floods, hurricanes and deadly triple digit heat currently brutalizing the west.

“Summer has just started. Already, tens of millions of Americans are under heat warnings,” Biden said.

At his request, the Labor Department is moving forward with a first of its kind worker protection policy.

The proposed rule would require every state to protect workers exposed to dangerous heat while on the job.

“This includes things like developing a response plan to heat illness, training employees and supervisors,” Biden said.

States, including California and Minnesota, already have similar labor protections.

The rule will likely face push back from states like Florida and Texas. These state’s Republican governors each signed bills to prevent such policies.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is also opposed.  They say it would be difficult for different industries to comply.

“Ignoring climate change is deadly and dangerous and irresponsible,” Biden said.

If the rule is finalized the states who fail to protect outside workers will face significantly higher penalties.

The president also rolled out a nearly $1 billion grant he says will help more than 600 communities nationwide make climate related investments.

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