California Proposes New Heat Protection Standards for Schools

Summary:
California is proposing new regulations to protect workers from extreme heat, which would also apply to schoolchildren. If approved, these rules will require school districts and businesses to keep indoor temperatures below specific thresholds using air conditioning, fans, or other methods. The move aims to address the growing impacts of climate change and ensure safe working and learning environments. The standards will be voted on June 20 and could be implemented this summer. The California Federation of Teachers supports the initiative, emphasizing that extreme heat impairs students’ learning abilities. However, the financial implications for schools and other public infrastructure remain unclear. Similar efforts in other states have seen mixed results.