The National Transportation Safety Board on Tuesday is set to conclude its investigation into the derailment and chemical spill in East Palestine, Ohio, a milestone that some lawmakers say is necessary before enacting rail safety legislation.
The board is expected to approve its final report on the February 2023 Norfolk Southern catastrophe that sent volatile substances into the surrounding air, soil and water. It will release an executive summary, though the full report won’t be published for several weeks later.
Within the findings, advocates for greater rail safety are eager to spotlight flaws in the system that could be addressed by legislation or greater oversight. The industry, which touts its safety actions in response to the derailment, is looking for validation that its procedures are sufficient.
