Labrador Introduces Future Logging Careers Act

Press Release

Rep. Raúl Labrador (R-ID), a member of the House Natural Resources Committee, introduced a new, common-sense bill today: the Future Logging Careers Act. This bill would support the entrance of young people into the logging industry, one of the most important industries in Idaho.

"Like farming and ranching, timber harvesting is often a family-run business where the practice of harvesting and transporting forest products from the forest to the mills is passed down from generation to generation," said Rep. Labrador. "But while the agriculture industry enjoys regulatory exemptions that allow family members between the ages of 16 and 17 to work under their parents' supervision, the logging industry doesn't have that same right. We should not unfairly penalize young people who want to enter the logging industry and make it their career. My bill would remove the outdated regulations that are holding back the next generation of timber harvesters. It will open up new opportunities for young people -- especially in our rural areas - and revitalize one of the key industries in our state."

Timber harvesting operations are similar to family farms with sophisticated and expensive harvesting equipment that requires young men and women to learn how to run the business, including equipment operation and maintenance, prior to the age of 18. However, young men and women in families who own and operate timber harvesting companies are denied the opportunity to work and learn the family trade until they reach adulthood.

Rep. Labrador's bill would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 so that 16 and 17 year olds would be allowed to work in mechanized logging operations under parental supervision.

The Future Logging Careers Act is supported by the American Loggers Council (ALC), a non-profit organization representing timber harvesters in 30 states, including Idaho.

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