As Introduced

135th General Assembly

Regular Session H. R. No. 33

2023-2024

Representatives Robb Blasdel, McNally

Cosponsors: Representatives Jordan, Williams, Loychik, Young, B., Click, Richardson, Grim, Galonski, Miranda, Weinstein, Baker, Brent, Forhan, Somani, Brown, Brennan, Miller, J., Santucci, Liston, Humphrey, Carruthers, Abrams, Gross, King, Manning, Sweeney, Isaacsohn, Schmidt, Miller, M., Upchurch, Lightbody, Troy, McClain, Abdullahi, Blackshear, Rogers, Jarrells, Miller, A., Russo, Mohamed, Denson, Thomas, C., Dean, Cutrona, Skindell, Dell'Aquila, Robinson, Jones

A R E S O L U T I O N

To urge the United States Congress to pass legislation requiring railroad companies to inform local and state government officials when trains carrying potentially hazardous materials travel through their respective jurisdictions.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF OHIO:

WHEREAS, A Norfolk Southern train carrying hazardous materials derailed in East Palestine, Ohio on February 3, 2023; and

WHEREAS, At the time of its derailment, the train was not considered a high-hazard flammable train by the United States Department of Transportation; and

WHEREAS, Ten of the 50 railroad cars that derailed contained chemicals such as vinyl chloride, butyl acrylate, ethylhexyl acrylate, and ethylene glycol monobutyl, all of which are dangerous to life and the environment; and

WHEREAS, As a result of the derailment, the hazardous chemicals have contaminated the air and water of East Palestine, forcing its residents to live in fear for their health; and

WHEREAS, The State of Ohio was not aware that a train carrying such hazardous materials was traversing through the state; and

WHEREAS, The federal government should inform local and state government officials when trains carrying potentially hazardous materials travel through their respective jurisdictions; now therefore be it

RESOLVED, That we, the members of the House of Representatives of the 135th General Assembly of the State of Ohio, urge the United States Congress to pass legislation requiring railroad companies to inform local and state government officials when trains, similar to the one that derailed in East Palestine, carrying potentially hazardous materials travel through their respective jurisdictions; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Clerk of the House of Representatives transmit duly authenticated copies of this resolution to the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, members of the Ohio Congressional delegation, and the news media of Ohio.