COLUMBUS, Ohio - Proposed rail safety measures for the state of Ohio have been approved by Ohio Governor, Mike DeWine on Friday afternoon.

Governor DeWine approved these measures during the signing of the transportation budget for the fiscal years of 2024 and 2025.

"The train derailment in East Palestine has made clear the need to further regulate railroad operations in our state and to put more focus on safety," DeWine said.

These new measures include the requirement for two-person crews on freight trains and ensure those who receive defect alerts by a wayside detector notify a train operator immediately.

"We are ensuring Ohio's railroads follow the best practices in monitoring railroad equipment and holding them responsible for their actions," DeWine said.

The budget also orders the PUCO and Ohio EPA to submit written reports when carrying hazardous materials and waste to the Legislature. The State did not know chemicals including vinyl chloride were in the infamous Norfolk Southern train that derailed in East Palestine because the company didn't have to provide that information. This protects fire crews if a situation like this were to happen again.

"These are obviously issues that have been talked about a great deal in the last few months," DeWine added. 

From more compact spacing of wayside detectors to the PUCO now having to examine detectors and submit its reports, Governor DeWine said this drastically improves safety.

There have been arguments between the Ohio Railroad Association and lawmakers that several of the measures are preempted by federal law. Legislatures have said if challenges arise it could be up to the federal courts to decide this.

The changes go into effect on July 1, 2023.