The U.S. Senate in recognizing April 18, 2013, as National Lineman Appreciation Day passed a resolution honoring lineworkers for their efforts at keeping power flowing.
Across the nation, more than 19,000 men and women maintain 2.5 million miles of line for electric co-ops, public power districts and public utility districts. A bill introduced by U.S. Sens. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) “recognizing linemen, the profession of linemen, the contributions of these brave men and women who protect public safety” was passed by unanimous consent. The declaration resolves that these workers…are steeped in personal, family and professional tradition; are often first responders during storms and other catastrophic events, working to make the scene safe for other public safety heroes; work with thousands of volts of electricity high atop power lines 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to keep electricity flowing; must often work under dangerous conditions far from their families to construct and maintain the energy infrastructure of the United States; and put their lives on the line every day with little recognition from the community regarding the danger of their work.
