President Joe Biden, during his visit to East Palestine, Ohio, on Friday, witnessed firsthand the ongoing cleanup efforts more than a year after a Norfolk Southern train derailment released hazardous chemicals into the environment. Praising the tremendous cleanup efforts as “Herculean,” Biden also announced grants from the National Institutes of Health to study the short- and long-term effects of the contaminants released during the derailment.
Expressing unwavering commitment to the ongoing recovery process, Biden declared, “We’re not going home, no matter what, until this job is done.” Acknowledging the complexity of the task at hand, he emphasized that the work is far from over.
During a brief stop at a local candle company, Biden exhibited his confidence in the cleanup efforts by partaking in tap water and coffee brewed with the same water source.
The Environmental Protection Agency had affirmed the safety of the air, water, and soil prior to Biden’s visit, with White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre reassuring reporters that Biden harbored no reservations about consuming the local water.
The train derailment occurred on February 3, 2023, involving five cars carrying vinyl chloride. The ensuing fire and release of hazardous chemicals forced evacuations and raised concerns about the long-term impacts on health and the economy.
Despite facing criticism from Republicans for not visiting East Palestine sooner, Biden’s visit underscored his commitment to addressing the aftermath of the disaster. Former President Donald Trump had visited the town weeks after the incident, drawing attention to Biden’s delayed visit.
Receiving a briefing from local officials, Biden lamented that the derailment could have been avoided, attributing it to “an act of greed that was 100% preventable.” He emphasized the need for stronger regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In the wake of the accident, concerns were raised about the prioritization of profits over safety in private railway ownership. Biden stressed the federal government’s accountability in holding Norfolk Southern responsible and urged Congress to pass legislation mandating stronger safety measures for trains transporting hazardous materials.
Norfolk Southern disclosed significant expenditures in response to the derailment, with over $1.1 billion invested in the cleanup effort and $103.2 million allocated to community relief efforts, including financial assistance to affected residents.
Biden’s visit served as a testament to his administration’s commitment to addressing environmental disasters and holding corporations accountable for their actions. By highlighting the need for stronger regulations and providing support to affected communities, Biden reaffirmed his dedication to safeguarding public health and safety.
In the aftermath of the train derailment, East Palestine continues to grapple with the aftermath of the disaster. Biden’s visit, coupled with federal assistance and ongoing cleanup efforts, offers hope for the community’s recovery and resilience in the face of adversity.
As Biden concluded his visit, the message was clear: the federal government stands with the people of East Palestine, committed to supporting them through the challenges ahead and ensuring that similar tragedies are prevented in the future.