During a visit to East Palestine, Ohio, President Biden expressed his dismay over the Norfolk Southern train derailment that occurred a year prior, causing contamination of the local environment with toxins. The President, acknowledging the delayed response, thanked the first responders who handled the aftermath of the toxic accident. Despite the anger felt by some residents over the timing of his visit, President Biden reassured the community that his administration will stand by them and work towards resolving the situation, emphasizing a commitment to seeing the issue through to the end.
Residents in East Palestine, such as Kathy Reese, expressed frustration over the President's delayed visit, with some questioning the reasons behind the prolonged absence. Reese, who witnessed firsthand the impact of the contamination, shared concerns about the lack of fish in local creeks and urged for more testing and information from the President to address the ongoing environmental challenges.
During his visit, President Biden also stopped at a local candle shop where he engaged with the owners and expressed support for passing the Rail Safety Act, bipartisan legislation aimed at imposing stricter regulations on the rail industry. This legislation, endorsed by the President, has faced obstacles in Congress due to industry lobbyists influencing the decision-making process. Congressman Chris Deluzio, a co-sponsor of the bill, criticized the rail industry for obstructing necessary regulations, citing their substantial lobbying expenditures as a hindrance to progress.
While the Rail Safety Act remains in limbo, Norfolk Southern defended its safety record by pointing to reductions in accident rates and pledged to work collaboratively with stakeholders to enhance safety measures. Despite ongoing concerns in East Palestine, EPA tests have consistently shown that the air, soil, and water are safe for the community. As the debate continues in Washington, local residents like Kathy Reese remain vigilant and cautious, waiting to see if the President will uphold his promise and ensure long-term environmental protection for their community.
