Ohio Senator, Michael Rulli has released a statement on the recent train derailment disaster in East Palestine.

"It is important for the people in East Palestine to know that my colleagues and I hear you. We hear your concerns, your worry and long-term anxiety about what this derailment has brought to the neighborhood," Rulli said.

Rulli went on to say he's been in contact with state officials since the beginning regarding the environmental impact of the incident and the process of determining when it is safe to return home and feel confident drinking local water.

"I am committed to relaying the latest information to you as quickly as possible," Rulli said.

Rulli reminded residents who receive their water through the municipal water system to check here regularly for the latest test results on water safety. As for those with well water, Rulli advised residents to test this water before using it. Testing is completely free.

Rulli went on to say he agrees with Governor, Mike DeWine's recent statement that Congress should reexamine railroad regulations after learning that the train that derailed was not considered hazardous despite carrying vinyl chloride.

Rulli described this as "unacceptable and dangerous" and criticized the federal government, President Biden and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg.

"Although the Federal Government regulates the railroads, our members of the State Senate stand ready to help make improvements that apparently the federal government, President Biden and Mayor Pete aren't interested until disaster strikes,"  Rulli said.