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[CNJRoss]

Associated Press, 3/23/23

 

Ohio Senate OKs transportation budget with rail safety rules

 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio senators reacting to the East Palestine train derailment proposed state oversight of wayside detectors that can spot railway defects, among other safety provisions, in a nearly $13.5 billion transportation budget that passed Thursday with bipartisan support.

 

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Whether the Legislature is allowed to impose these provisions on the rail industry at all has been a matter of debate.

 

The Ohio Railroad Association has argued that several of the measures are preempted by federal law. State lawmakers have disagreed, saying the General Assembly can put statewide safeguards in place to help protect its constituents.

 

Sen. President Matt Huffman said the Legislature has worked with legal experts and believes the provisions are not preempted, but if challenges arise it could be up to the federal courts to decide.

 

 

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Related:

NS freight train derailment, fire in East Palestine, OH - Evacuation

Bi-Partisan 'Rail Safety Act of 2023' Proposed

Safety “Calls for Action” following East Palestine, OH Derailment

[CNJRoss]

Railfan & Railroad, 3/30/23

 

Ohio Close to Passing New Rail Safety Law

 

A bill that would require two people aboard most freight trains in the state of Ohio is on its way to the governor’s desk after passing with bipartisan support in the state legislature this week. The Associated Press reports that the bill, part of Ohio’s $13.5 billion transportation budget legislation, comes two months after a fiery train wreck in East Palestine made headlines across the state and nation. 

 

Besides mandating a minimum crew size, the law would require any reported defect on a train to be passed along to the crew so that they can stop and inspect it. The East Palestine wreck occurred after multiple lineside detectors noted a warm bearing but did not trigger an alarm because it had not met Norfolk Southern’s established threshold. The bill would also require the state’s public utilities and environmental agencies to report to the legislature about what type of hazardous materials are being transported by rail in the state. 

 

 

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[CNJRoss]

Railway Age, 4/5/23

Commentary

DeWine’s Rail Safety ‘Laws’ Vintage Politics

 

Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-Chief

 

I’ll attempt to be brief: Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has signed into state law a $13.5 billion state transportation budget that includes rail safety legislation largely pre-empted by federal law, or moot. What is he thinking, and what “experts” are advising him?

 

Most of the money in the bill—no surprise—is earmarked for bridges and highway projects over the next two years. But there are a few measures obviously included as a purely political response to Norfolk Southern’s East Palestine derailment. Two examples:

 

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My take is that DeWine’s vintage politics will eventually ferment into vinegar. It’s already leaving a sour taste in the mouths of railroaders worth their salt.

 

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