US defends Ohio derailment response.
Friday’s defense in Ohio of the toxic freight train accident that occurred in Ohio two weeks ago was defended by Biden’s administration, despite requests from local leaders and members Congress for more.
Residents expressed concern about contamination following toxic chemicals being spilled or burned off in East Palestine, Ohio, on February 3.
According to the White House it had “mobilized an effective, multi-agency effort to support the people of East Palestine, Ohio” and pointed out the presence of officials from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Transportation Safety Board at the rural location within hours after the Norfolk Southern train derailed with vinyl chloride and other toxic substances.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated Friday that emergency response is essential when such incidents occur.
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On Thursday, Michael Regan, Administrator of the EPA visited the site. Regan assured residents that water was safe to drink and that the air is safe.
He stated that officials were currently “testing for all that was on that train.”
Crews conducted controlled burning of toxic chemicals taken from five tanker cars that were in danger of being blown up and evacuated the village.
Administration officials insist that they responded quickly and efficiently.
Jean-Pierre stated that “we have been on the ground from February 4 ,…, and are committed support East Palestine people at every step.”
Lawmakers have criticized Pete Buttigieg, Transportation Secretary, for not visiting Ohio. Buttigieg said that the Ohio derailment was just one of many that occur each year. Officials stated that while a train carrying hazardous material could not stop at Detroit on Thursday, the material was not spilled.
Of course the #WhiteHouse is defending its response. Their defense is more important to them than the actual response. Someone should remind the WH that people in #EastPalestine, #Ohio are U.S. citizens. https://t.co/xBTZ2HziTp
— James Hutton (@JEHutton) February 17, 2023
Buttigieg tweeted Friday that he would hold Norfolk Southern accountable for safety violations that contributed to the disaster. He will also be following the conclusions of the Transportation Safety Board’s independent investigation.
The President Joe Biden offered federal aid to the Ohio Governor. Mike DeWine and the Governor of Pennsylvania. Josh Shapiro, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the state’s emergency operation center have been working together.
DeWine and the Ohio congressional delegation requested the Health and Human Services Department and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention send an Ohio team of toxicologists and medical staff to Ohio for public-health testing and assessments.
Officials stated that the team would assist federal, state and local officials to assess individuals who have been exposed.
Some residents have complained of headaches, sooty grass, and irritated eyes.
The toxic chemicals that were released from the train killed many fish. Residents are frustrated by the insufficient information about the long-term consequences of the disaster, which prompted evacuations.
Regan said Thursday that anyone who fears being in their own homes should have testing done by the government.
Senator Sherrod Brown (D.Ohio), stated that he spoke with Biden Friday to assure that the state would receive all assistance that it requires.
Brown said that President Obama was all in on FEMA directing aid to the state and was “all-in” on Norfolk Southern’s responsibility, at an online news conference.
Ohio state senator Michael Rulli, a Republican from East Palestine, said Buttigieg should resign over inaction by Transportation Department.
Rulli said, “He should feel ashamed.”
Rep. Bill Johnson, a Republican from Ohio, visited the site on Thursday with Brown and Regan. He wrote a Friday letter to the EPA asking for more information about the derailment. These included plans to test water and air quality and controlled burning.
Johnson stated that residents should be able to “trust their soil, water and air after this train derailment.”
Regan’s visit was positive, but officials need to implement policies that protect public health and prevent it happening again, said David Masur, executive director of PennEnvironment.
