President Joe Biden visited East Palestine, Ohio for the first time on Friday and stated that the Norfolk Southern train derailment, which released toxins into the soil, water, and air of the town, was a result of selfishness and a lack of regard for the environment.
Biden criticized the February 3, 2023 Norfolk Southern derailment as a completely avoidable tragedy caused by negligence, emphasizing that the administration had been urging railroad companies to enhance safety measures beforehand.
On Friday, Biden emphasized that large railroad corporations moving hazardous chemicals worth billions must ensure safe transportation.
According to him, Norfolk Southern did not succeed.
Biden stated that, although acts of God exist, this particular event was driven by greed.
Although there were no fatalities in the Norfolk Southern collision, the derailment of the train and the subsequent choice to release and incinerate five tankers carrying carcinogenic vinyl chloride produced a cloud of hazardous fumes visible from outer space. This incident sparked widespread concern about the safety of the town’s drinking water, as over 1 million pounds of toxins were dispersed into the local environment through water, air, and soil contamination following the derailment.
Numerous individuals were instructed to leave their homes, with some opting to relocate permanently. Upon their return, certain residents reported experiencing skin irritations, throat discomfort, queasiness, and headaches, suspecting a connection to the chemicals released following the train accident.
Following the train derailment, there was mounting pressure on Biden to make a visit to East Palestine. Despite the White House’s initial statement that the president would schedule a visit, it did not materialize last year.
Approximately three weeks following the train derailment on February 22, ex-President Donald Trump made a visit to East Palestine, with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg arriving the following day.
During his visit, Trump caused a political uproar by pointing out Biden’s absence, while residents expressed a simple desire to learn about the safety of their drinking water.
On Friday in the town, Biden and Environmental Protection Administration Administrator Michael Regan aimed to assure residents that the administration’s priority was to assist in the town’s cleanup efforts and ensure accountability for Norfolk Southern following the crash. This commitment has been evident from the beginning, with Biden’s executive order in September instructing federal agencies to oversee the company’s cleanup efforts and monitor their progress closely.
Last summer, the company disclosed that the expenses linked to the cleanup amounted to approximately $1 billion.
During his visit to East Palestine, Biden enjoyed the local tap water and sampled coffee made with the same water and beans from the area. The traveling press pool reported that he revealed his administration’s approval of six National Institutes of Health grants for studying the immediate and lasting impacts of the derailment.
The White House has confirmed that Biden’s upcoming visit to East Palestine was arranged following an invitation from Mayor Trent Conaway and local community figures. Conaway, who previously expressed disappointment over the delay in Biden’s visit, suggested in a recent interview with Fox News that the ideal timing for the President’s arrival would be during his book tour in February 2025.
Conaway expressed anticipation for the president’s visit, following speeches by Biden and Reagan. He emphasized that East Palestine’s identity will not be determined by this one occasion, but rather by how we react to it and our determination to endure.
Conaway emphasized the importance of President Biden’s visit to the village, highlighting the opportunity to come together on shared priorities, recognize the unacceptable nature of the disaster, tackle ongoing health issues and economic development, and prevent similar incidents from occurring in other communities.
The President’s office announced plans for a visit to East Palestine to engage with residents affected by the Norfolk Southern train derailment. The purpose of the visit is to review the collaborative efforts between the Administration, state, and local officials in safeguarding the community and ensuring accountability from Norfolk Southern.
Earlier this week, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized that the people of East Palestine have made it clear that they do not wish to be solely associated with a specific incident. As a result, President Biden will address the administration’s efforts to support family businesses impacted by this event.
On Friday, Biden reiterated the same sentiment, assuring that his administration would remain committed to aiding the town in its recovery.
Regardless of political affiliation, what truly counts is our shared identity as Americans. We must support each other, ensuring no one is left behind, and emerge from challenges stronger than ever. This community exemplifies these values, and we will continue our efforts until every need is addressed completely.
Last month, Buttigieg expressed frustration over the Republican opposition in Congress hindering progress on improving rail safety measures.
One year has passed since the Norfolk Southern derailment, and despite the incident, Congress has yet to approve the bipartisan Railway Safety Act. It is concerning that a year later, we are still awaiting Congressional action. Many legislators who were vocal about the issue have not definitively stated their position on the bill. Additionally, certain House Republicans have voted twice in favor of bills that would reduce funding for railroad safety and track inspections.
However, Buttigieg has admitted to some errors in his handling of the situation, noting that he should have made a prompt visit to East Palestine and underestimated the potential political consequences of the derailment.
The Environmental Protection Agency has successfully cleared away over 174,000 tons of polluted soil from the area. However, concerns persist regarding the potential presence of lingering toxins. Regan assured journalists recently that his agency is certain that the people of East Palestine are not in danger from any affected surface water, soil, or air resulting from the train accident.
