Reineke resolution adopted by Ohio Senate

COLUMBUS — A resolution on rail safety sponsored by Ohio Senator Bill Reineke, R-Tiffin, was adopted by the Ohio Senate this week. According to a release, Senate Resolution 196 "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." In addition, it requests the study of the benefits that result from securing cars transporting such waste. Unsecured solid waste, the release states, "can cause pollution and other threats to public health and safety." In addition, local communities and property owners currently bear the costs of cleaning up trash that originates from unsecured rail cars. In the release, Reineke said it is not always known what it being transported on Ohio's rail system. "In my community, we see the ramifications of this problem as trash enters our local landfill in uncovered or improperly covered train cars," he said. "Senate Resolution 196 urges Congress to take action to stop this irresponsible practice for the sake of all Americans and their quality of life." Reineke served as chair of the Senate Select Committee on Rail Safety, which was established after the 2023 train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. Making its way through the Ohio statehouse, Senate Resolution 196 now will be sent to the U.S. Senate, House and each member of Ohio's Congressional delegation for consideration.