Fishing companies say long waits between seasons can be common, but labor experts say offshore foreign workers are “uniquely unprotected” under U.S. policies.
Advocates say fear of financial hardship undermines bargaining leverage. Opponents say the bill will increase business costs or prolong work stoppages.
Bipartisan proposals before the state legislature would help scientists learn about storing carbon in soils and invest in GPS-guided tractors and climate-friendly cattle feed.