IDAHO FALLS — President Joe Biden’s new national COVID-19 vaccine mandates will mean changes for some eastern Idaho employees.

The biggest impact in eastern Idaho will likely be felt at Idaho National Laboratory, which employs thousands of federal workers and contractors.

19, Idaho National Laboratory will require all staff members and many of its subcontractors to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19,” INL Director John Wagner said in a statement.

As a leader in the state of Idaho and a national laboratory that changes the world through great science, it reflects our willingness to use the best scientific data available to protect our staff and achieve our missions.”.

INL spokeswoman Sarah Neumann said 69% of the employees are already vaccinated against COVID-19.

A large number of INL employees and its contract workers met Thursday night at Community Park in Idaho Falls to sign a petition against the new mandate.

Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center spokeswoman Coleen Niemann said as of now the hospital does not require employees to get vaccinated, but it is highly encouraged.

OSHA jurisdiction does not extend to Idaho and local government employees unlike 22 other states with OSHA-approved State Plans.

Idaho Falls city spokesman Bud Cranor said the city is evaluating what President Biden’s announcement means for city employees.

Cranor said city attorneys are reviewing the matter and looking to seek guidance from the Idaho state government.

“The State of Idaho is exploring legal action to stop President Biden’s unprecedented government overreach into the private sector with his new COVID-19 plan,” Little said in a news release.