RECOGNIZING APRIL 18, 2026, AS "NATIONAL LINE WORKER APPRECIATION DAY" IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Sen. Pettyjohn & Rep. Morris

Sens. Buckson, Hansen, Hocker, Hoffner, Huxtable, Lawson, Mantzavinos, Richardson, Sokola, Sturgeon, Walsh, Wilson; Reps. Berry, Bush, Carson, Dukes, Morrison, Ross Levin, Shupe, Wilson-Anton, Yearick

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 177

RECOGNIZING APRIL 18, 2026, AS "NATIONAL LINE WORKER APPRECIATION DAY" IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

WHEREAS, line workers play a vital role in installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical power lines and communication infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, during storms and emergencies, line workers are often among the first responders working to secure downed power lines and restore essential communication technologies, ensuring public safety and continuity of service during times of crisis; and

WHEREAS, even outside of emergencies, the work of a line worker is inherently dangerous and requires significant skill and courage; and

WHEREAS, there are currently over 125,000 line workers supporting the U.S. electrical grid; and

WHEREAS, Delaware is home to an estimated 390 line workers who contribute daily to our state’s and the nation’s critical infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, becoming a journeyman line worker requires four years of rigorous training and hands on experience; and

WHEREAS, line workers maintain and service an estimated 2.7 million transmission towers, 180 million utility poles, and 7 million combined miles of high voltage and distribution power lines across the United States; and

WHEREAS, the first known lineman in the United States, Ezra Cornell, played a pioneering role in building the Morse Telegraph and went on to found Cornell University; and

WHEREAS, in 2016, Rosa “Rosie” Vasquez was inducted into the National Lineman Hall of Fame for being the first female American linewoman; and

WHEREAS, after Hurricane Sandy, 8.2 million customers across 17 states and the District of Columbia were without power, with some outages lasting up to two weeks; and

WHEREAS, following Hurricane Irma, 6.7 million customers, affecting approximately 3.5 million to 6 million people in Florida alone, were left without power; and

WHEREAS, after Hurricane Helene, 16.2 million people, representing 7.4 million customers across Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas, were affected; and

WHEREAS, the winter storm on February 23, 2026, unofficially known as Winter Storm Hernando, left 580,000 people across the Northeast without power, including 67,000 Delawareans; and

WHEREAS, these events demonstrate the essential role line workers play in restoring power, protecting public safety, and helping communities recover after major emergencies; and

WHEREAS, this day serves to honor and recognize the dedication, service, and sacrifice of line workers who routinely face hazardous conditions to help ensure the consistent delivery of electricity to homes, businesses, schools, hospitals, and communities across the nation; and

WHEREAS, April 18 was first recognized as “National Line Worker Appreciation Day” in 2013 by the U.S. Senate.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 153rd General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that April 18, 2026, is hereby recognized as “National Line Worker Appreciation Day” in the State of Delaware.

SYNOPSIS

This Senate Concurrent Resolution recognizes April 18, 2026, as "National Line Worker Appreciation Day" in the State of Delaware.

Author: Senator Pettyjohn