The New Mexico Environment Department has extended the public comment period for its proposed "Heat Rule" to July 17, citing a high level of public interest. The proposal, which aims to regulate heat exposure in certain work conditions, has drawn attention from various groups and individuals.
Critics of the rule have questioned the data supporting it. They argue that there is no clear evidence justifying the specific requirements of the proposal, such as why employees should take particular amounts of time off or what exact problems are being addressed.
Interestingly, construction and trades groups are not leading the advocacy for this regulation. Instead, Conservation Voters New Mexico, an organization focused on climate change issues, is a prominent supporter. Additionally, major teacher unions are involved in backing the rule. Charles Goodmacher, a former lobbyist for the National Education Association (NEA), serves as a policy advisor.
For environmental advocates, the "Heat Rule" may represent an effort to advance climate change initiatives under a different pretext. Teacher unions' involvement could be linked to past issues with cooling systems in schools.
Some critics suggest that the rule could impose additional costs on businesses without providing tangible benefits to environmental or educational groups. Furthermore, several progressive-governed cities appear to support the proposal.
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