Ohio Senate Adopts Reineke's Rail Safety Resolution

COLUMBUS—The Ohio Senate adopted Senate Resolution 196 today, sponsored by State Senator Bill Reineke (R-Tiffin). The resolution urges the United States Congress to amend the Railway Safety Act of 2023 to require rail carriers to secure rail cars carrying solid waste to prevent littering and to study the benefits of securing cars carrying solid waste. 

Unsecured solid waste coming from trains can cause pollution and other threats to public health and safety. Local communities and individual property owners near rail lines currently bear the costs of cleaning up any trash from these rail cars. 

"We do not necessarily know what is being transported in rail cars as they pass through or stop here in Ohio," Reineke said. "Unfortunately, in my community we see the ramifications of this problem as trash enters our local landfill in uncovered or improperly covered train cars, causing potential pollution and public health concerns for residents. Senate Resolution 196 urges Congress to take action to stop this irresponsible practice for the sake of all Americans and their quality of life." 

Senator Reineke served as the Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Rail Safety. The committee was established to understand how the train derailment in East Palestine occurred, help the area's citizens, and prevent another tragedy in the future. Senate Resolution 196 utilizes the lessons learned from the committee to advocate for necessary updates to the Railway Safety Act of 2023, which is in the United States Senate.

Senate Resolution 196 will be sent to the President Pro Tempore and Secretary of the United States Senate, the Speaker and Clerk of the United States House of Representatives, and each member of the Ohio Congressional delegation for their consideration.