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HCR 39
As Introduced

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H. C. R. No. 39 As Introduced

As Introduced

130th General Assembly

Regular Session

2013-2014

H. C. R. No. 39

Representative Sheehy

Cosponsors: Representatives Hagan, R., Foley, Strahorn, Ramos

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

To urge Congress to enact the Safe Freight Act.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF OHIO
(THE SENATE CONCURRING):

       WHEREAS, Ohio's freight rail system represents a significant component of Ohio's transportation infrastructure and is vital to supporting the economy throughout the state, particularly manufacturing, mining, and agriculture; and

       WHEREAS, Ohio has over 7,000 freight train employees and a freight rail system of long-haul, regional, and short line railroads containing more than 5,300 miles of freight line; and

       WHEREAS, Freight trains, which can be up to two miles long and may carry millions of pounds of freight, require adequate crew members for safe operation; and

       WHEREAS, On July 6, 2013, a runaway freight train tragically exploded and killed 47 people in the Canadian province of Quebec, partially because the single-crew member was unable to properly secure the cars to prevent the runaway; and

       WHEREAS, Rail system safety is a high priority for both rail carriers and government agencies due to the potential impact of freight train-related accidents on the general public and the efficiency of rail operations; and

       WHEREAS, The federal Safe Freight Act pending in Congress would require a freight train crew to consist of at least two individuals. Staffing a freight train with at least two individuals would foster safer grade crossings, especially in congested cities, by decreasing the chance of potentially dangerous blind spots, would increase efficiency and the overall safety of freight train operations, and would aid in properly parking and securing a train; now therefore be it

       RESOLVED, That we, the members of the 130th General Assembly of the State of Ohio, urge the Congress of the United States to enact the Safe Freight Act in order to ensure that no freight train be operated unless it has a crew of at least two properly certified individuals; and be it further

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