Hoping to maintain timber jobs in Maine for generations to come, U.S. Rep. Bruce Poliquin (R-ME) reintroduced legislation that would enable 16 and 17-year-olds to work in mechanized logging operations under the supervision of a parent.
The Future Logging Careers Act would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to enable younger people under the age of 18 to pursue careers in timber harvesting if their parents or guardians consent.
“Major advances have been made in Maine’s logging industry in recent years that have drastically improved worker safety,” Poliquin said. “Unfortunately, outdated regulations from Washington haven’t kept up, preventing young Mainers from pursuing careers in the trade in Maine, which largely consists of family-run businesses that have operated for generations in our state.”
Poliquin said he joined U.S. Rep. Raul Labrador (R-ID), a member of the House Natural Resources Committee, in reintroducing the bill to give young Mainers the opportunities to pursue a career path in logging.
Dana Doran, the executive director of the Professional Logging Contractors of Maine (PLC), said timber harvesting has a long and storied history in Maine.
“It is a legacy industry in Maine consisting of family-based businesses that have been passed down from generation to generation which are responsible for over 7,000 jobs and the contribution of $882 million annually to the Maine economy,” Doran said.
“The Future Logging Careers Act will ensure that family based businesses in the state of Maine can sustain themselves for the long term. Congressman Poliquin should be applauded for his leadership on this issue because without common sense legislation like this, the future of this industry will continue to be at risk,” Doran added.