Plummer, Bird Call of State, Federal Leaders to Update Hazardous Material Transportation Safety

COLUMBUS – State Representatives Phil Plummer (R-Dayton) and Adam Bird (R-New Richmond) announced Thursday they are calling on Congress and the U.S. Department of Transportation to upgrade regulations on the transportation of hazardous materials.

The pair of representatives have drafted a house resolution and an amendment to the State Transportation Budget that ask for both federal and state government agencies to implement additional safety requirements and criminal punishments for the mishandling of hazardous material.  

“The derailment in East Palestine has left Ohioans asking many questions,” said Bird. “It is our responsibility as legislatures to seek answers and to ensure when hazardous materials are traveling through our state, the proper authorities are aware.” 

“Our transportation amendment will ensure that we fully understand current regulations and then work with state agencies to strengthen our policies and to increase penalties for any entity that violates our states safety standards,” said Plummer.

The language for both the amendment and resolution are below.

Transportation Budget Amendment:

To direct PUCO and Ohio EPA to examine current hazardous waste disclosure and transport regulations and protocols and report to the legislature within 90 days a proposal to strengthen State safety requirements and enhance civil and criminal penalties under State law for mishandling or non-disclosure or incomplete disclosure of hazardous materials being transported.

House Resolution:

Calling on Congress and the U.S. Department of Transportation to upgrade regulations on the transportation of hazardous materials to require disclosure of hazardous materials when sufficient quantities are transported that could potentially cause significant environmental damage or threat to human life.