House Homeland Security Committee Holds Hearing on Train Derailment

COLUMBUS – The Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, State Representative Haraz N. Ghanbari (R-Perrysburg), held the first meeting of the committee for the 135th General Assembly with hearings from the Ohio Department of Public Safety and the Ohio State Legislative Board with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers to discuss the train derailment in East Palestine.

“This issue needs our attention immediately,” Ghanbari said. “We, as lawmakers, need information as to why this happened, how this can be avoided in the future and what do we as legislators need to do increase safety. This is the priority right now. The people of East Palestine need our help.”

The committee heard from Karen Huey, assistant director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety and John Esterly, chairman of Ohio State Legislative Board with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers.  

The pair testified to the committee about the response to the East Palestine derailment, train operations hazardous material reporting and what can be done at the state level.  

The committee will be hearing from additional public and environmental safety agencies in upcoming committees.

To hear the full testimony visit the Ohio Channel.