President Joe Biden visited the site of a Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, a year after the incident caused a health and environmental crisis. Biden labeled the derailment as “100% preventable” during his first trip to the area since the incident occurred.
He expressed frustration over what he described as corporate negligence, stating, “We were pushing railroads to take more precautions, to deal with braking, to deal with a whole range of things that were not dealt with. Norfolk Southern failed its responsibility.”
East Palestine Mayor Trent Conaway, despite political differences, extended the invitation to Biden, emphasizing the need for support in addressing long-term health concerns and promoting economic growth in the community.
Biden urged Congress to pass a bipartisan bill aimed at strengthening rail safety laws and assured ongoing federal support until the cleanup is complete. However, the proposed legislation, supported by Ohio Senators J.D. Vance and Sherrod Brown, has encountered obstacles.
Criticism arose from Republicans and local residents regarding Biden’s delayed visit. Protesters greeted his motorcade with crude gestures, highlighting frustrations with the timing of his appearance. Norfolk Southern acknowledged the need for further action, with Chief Executive Alan Shaw affirming the company’s commitment to remediation efforts and community engagement.
During his visit, Biden sampled local tap water and coffee at a candle shop, with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency confirming no elevated pollution levels in monitored water sources. Former President Donald Trump, Biden’s potential 2024 rival, had visited East Palestine shortly after the derailment, criticizing the federal response.
The National Transportation Safety Board continues its investigation into the derailment, which involved 38 train cars and a subsequent fire. Evacuations were ordered on both sides of the Ohio-Pennsylvania border due to the release of toxic chemicals.
Norfolk Southern estimates the cleanup and associated efforts will exceed $800 million, reflecting the extensive impact of the incident on the community and the environment.