President Biden visits East Palestine, Ohio, to address the ongoing concerns surrounding the toxic train derailment that occurred over a year ago. The town has been deeply impacted by this disaster, and residents are still divided on various issues related to the incident.
Many East Palestine residents remain skeptical about the safety of their drinking water, fearing potential contamination. Kathy Reese, a local resident, expressed her concerns about the lack of information and requested more extensive testing from the authorities.
In addition to the environmental concerns, local business owners are urging Washington to pass the Rail Safety Act. This legislation would impose stricter regulations on the industry, promoting safer practices and preventing accidents. However, progress on the bill has been hindered by extensive lobbying efforts from the rail industry, which spent over $24 million on lobbying in the previous year.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg supports the Rail Safety Act and believes that it will pass if there is continued pressure and attention on the matter. Norfolk Southern, the company involved in the derailment, claims to prioritize safety and collaboration with first responders but did not address the lobbying efforts directly.
While the discussions continue in Washington, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains that the air, soil, and water in East Palestine are safe, with ongoing efforts for remediation and restoration. However, Kathy Reese and others remain cautious and continue to rely on bottled water for their drinking needs.
During his visit, President Biden highlighted the importance of addressing the long-term impacts of the derailment. He announced the awarding of six National Institutes of Health grants to research universities, including Case Western University, to study the short- and long-term consequences of the disaster.
Furthermore, President Biden expressed his support for the Rail Safety Bill, emphasizing the need for stronger protective measures for trains carrying hazardous materials and improved safety standards for storage tank cars. He stressed the importance of immediate response capabilities and increased staffing levels to ensure transportation safety.
The President also spoke about the need for tax reform to prevent individuals from being taxed on compensation received from Norfolk Southern. He emphasized the progress that has already been made within a year and assured the community of continued support until all issues related to the derailment are resolved.
President Biden commended the resilience and determination of the community in East Palestine and praised the efforts of firefighters, law enforcement officers, and first responders who work tirelessly to protect and care for others. He called upon the unity and compassion of all Americans, emphasizing that together, the nation can overcome any challenges.
President Biden concluded his speech by assuring East Palestine that the United States of America stands by its obligations to its citizens, promising to stay as long as necessary to ensure that no one is left behind.
