Ohio 2023-2024 Regular Session

Ohio Senate Bill SR36

Caption

Urge Congress enact law re: trains carrying hazardous materials

Impact

If enacted, this resolution aims to enhance communication between railroad companies and state and local governments, which is expected to improve public safety. By requiring notifications for trains carrying hazardous materials, local authorities would be better equipped to respond to potential emergencies, thereby protecting the health of local populations and the environment. The resolution reflects growing concerns about railroad safety and the need for more stringent oversight of hazardous materials transportation.

Summary

SR36 is a resolution introduced in the Ohio State Senate that urges the United States Congress to pass legislation mandating that railroad companies inform local and state officials when trains carrying potentially hazardous materials traverse their jurisdictions. This legislative effort is primarily a response to the Norfolk Southern train derailment that occurred in East Palestine, Ohio, on February 3, 2023, which resulted in the release of toxic chemicals and raised significant health and environmental concerns for the residents of the area.

Contention

While the resolution aims to address a critical public safety concern, it may also face challenges related to regulatory burdens on rail companies. Proponents of the resolution argue that increased transparency and communication are essential for ensuring communities are prepared for emergencies involving hazardous materials. However, opponents may raise concerns about the potential economic impact on railway operations and the logistics of implementing such notification systems.

Notable_points

SR36 highlights the ongoing legislative push to improve safety protocols following significant environmental incidents. The resolution does not directly legislate but serves as an important statement from the Ohio Senate expressing the need for federal action to safeguard communities from the dangers associated with hazardous materials transport.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OH SCR8

Urge Congress pass Reducing Accidents in Locomotives (RAIL) Act

OH HR147

Investigate East Palestine train derailment and EPA response

OH HB853

Assistance for Local Heroes During Train Crises ActThis bill establishes a Hazardous Train Event Emergency Reimbursement Fund for state and local emergency response groups.Upon a declaration by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) that a hazardous train event has occurred, the FRA must immediately award at least $250,000 from the emergency fund to one or more eligible groups (e.g., law enforcement agencies and fire departments). Additional amounts may be awarded, but may not exceed $3 million per hazardous train event. The FRA may declare a hazardous train event has occurred following a derailment or crash involving a train carrying hazardous materials, hazardous waste, or other materials that pose a threat to public health, safety, and the environment.Costs associated with a response to a hazardous train event that are eligible for reimbursement include (1) replacing damaged or contaminated equipment, (2) overtime pay for firefighters or law enforcement officers, and (3) retroactively covering these types of incurred costs after the event date.The FRA must also (1) establish annual fees for shippers and carriers of hazardous materials by rail that have total annual collections of at least $10 million, and (2) deposit the fees into the reimbursement fund.Further, the Department of Transportation must issue regulations requiring railroads that transport hazardous materials by train to provide county and local emergency response groups with (1) advance warning of the train's load and timing, and (2) real-time location information on the train when it enters and exits the community's service area.

OH SB1289

Hazardous materials: non-RCRA hazardous waste: landfill disposal.

OH SR261

Urge Congress to create a National Infrastructure Bank.

OH AB2776

An act to amend Sections 25117.5, 25123.3, 25123.5, 25125.7, 25160, 25201.5, 25218.1, 25270.2, 25270.4.5, 25270.6, 25270.8, 25288, 25290.1, and 25507 of the Health and Safety Code, relating to hazardous materials.

OH HCR42

Urge Congress to enact the Veterans' ACCESS Act

OH SB811

An act to amend Sections 25117, 25150.87, and 41514.6 of, to add Chapter 6.4 (commencing with Section 25095) to Division 20 of, and to repeal Sections 25150.82, 25150.84, and 25150.86 of, the Health and Safety Code, relating to hazardous waste.

OH SR14

Urges Congress to pass "Safe and Open Streets Act."

OH SB404

Hazardous materials: metal shredding facilities.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.